Circus performer was master of grace

Letting go of the bar, turning head over heels three times in mid-air and being caught by the wrists by your partner.


It was the maneuver that everyone in the mid-century flying trapeze world wanted to master. And in his prime, Reggie Armor could do it with the best of them, executing the legendary triple somersault — and many other high-flying tricks — with grace, style and showmanship.

The flying trapeze artist, who performed with his own troupe and others at circuses and events worldwide, including Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus, enjoyed pushing the aerial envelope, said his wife and fellow trapeze artist, Bonnie Armor.

"He was one of the ones who started doing the three-and-a-half somersault," she said.

"That was one, two, three turns, then bring your legs around again, and the catcher grabs you between your calves and ankles."

Bonnie saw all of Reggie's feats up close: The two performed together for two decades, and later their daughter, SaSa Armor, joined them.

The trapeze life and the frequent travel made them a tight-knit clan.

"You become extremely close in that business because your lives depend on each other's moves up there," Bonnie Armor said. "We were always in tune. We always could read each other's minds."

Reginald C. "Reggie" Armor Jr. died May 22 at a Tulsa hospital. He was 80.

Cremation was handled by Serenity Funerals and Crematory. No local services are planned, but a memorial
service will be organized in Florida at a later date, family members said.

Longtime Sarasota, Fla., residents who were married for 55 years, Reggie and Bonnie Armor moved to Sapulpa a few years ago.

Courtesy of David Orr