William F. Blair

William F. Blair was born at Vail, Iowa, December 13, 1929, the son Arista and Ella Reese Blair. He was raised there and received his education in the Vail Public School graduating with the class of 1949. From June of 1952, until his discharge in June of 1954, Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army, with sixteen months of his tour of duty being spent in Korea. Upon his discharge he returned to Vail. On June 2, 1956, Bill was united in marriage with Nelda Crane at the United Presbyterian Church in Vail. Their union was blessed with three sons, Merle, Steven and David. They made their home at Vail where Bill farmed. In 1971, Bill became a self-employed heavy equipment operator, owning and operating his construction business until his death. Bill was a hard worker and an active supporter of the Vail Community where he served on the City Council, was a former acting mayor, a member of the Vail Community Club and their Board of Directors and a supporter of the Vail Swimming Pool. Organizations that Bill enjoyed and was an active participant in included Diamond Lodge No. 442, A. F. and A. M., Vail, Iowa; Olive Branch Chapter No. 205, Order of Eastern Star, Vail, Iowa, currently serving as their Worthy Patron, an organization in which he loved his involvement; a member and past Worthy Patron of the Logan, Iowa, Chapter of Eastern Star; American Legion Post 65, Vail, Iowa; American Legion Post 196, Westside, Iowa; a current member of the Crawford County Fair Board of Directors; and a charter member, past president and Board of Director of the Vail Westside Presbyterian Credit Union until it merged with Greater Iowa Credit Union; and was a longtime member of the United Presbyterian Church in Vail where he had served as and Elder. In addition to hard work, which could be considered one of his hobbies, Bill had a great love for his horses and caring for his livestock. In later years, the purchase of his buggy on a trip to Jamesport brought him great enjoyment. Never meeting a stranger, Bill enjoyed socializing with friends and family and playing cards. When time allowed for travel, he enjoyed their trips to visit the Schmidt?s in Arkansas and his army buddy and son in Oklahoma. Of his many accomplishments in life, one of his proudest was his service to his country in Korea. Bill died surrounded by his loving family Friday morning, June 6, 2008, at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison, Iowa. At the time of his death he had been blessed with 78 years, 5 months and 23 days. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Arista and Ella Blair, and one brother, Andrew Blair. Those remaining to honor and cherish his memory include his wife of over 52 years, Nelda Blair of Vail, three sons, Merle Blair of Vail, Steven Blair and wife, Michelle of Butler, Oklahoma and David Blair and wife, Barb of Vail, eight grandchildren, Charlotta, Sarah, Daniel, Chad, Dimitri, Faith, Steven and Lucas, four step-grandchildren, Shyla, Asa, Chelle and Laura, two brothers and their wives, Dick and Lois Blair of Vail and Levi and Ethel Blair of Gordon, Nebraska, sister-in-law, Ruth Blair of Kiron, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, June 9, 2008, at the United Presbyterian Church in Vail, Iowa, with the Rev. Richard Francis officiating. Music for the service was provided by Jessica Lesko and Sandi Agan singing "If You Get There Before I Do" and "Grandpa", Faith Blair singing "Jesus Loves Me" and the congregation singing "In The Garden" with Ruth Noelck serving as organist. Honorary Pallbearers included Perry and Lois Sisk, Richard and Charlene Hoffman, Sylvia Lochmiller, Howard and Edna Mae Kremin, Al Grau, John, Darlene and Vicky Shepherd, Emily Cheime, Roger and Rose Brodersen, Larry and Linda Brodersen, Chuck and Stephanie Ballantine, Jay and Terri Ford, Eugene and Karen Mohr, Royce and Ruth Noelck, Bill and Darlene Crane and Bob and Mary Pollock. Pallbearers were Phillip Baker, M.D., Kenny Drees, Tony Dieter, Mark Crane, Jim Blair, Steve Vary, Pete Bell and John Linberg. Horseman was Kenny Blair. Military Honors were provided by the American Legion Post 65, Vail, Iowa, and the Westside American Legion Post 196, Westside, Iowa. Interment was at the Vail Cemetery, Vail, Iowa. Following the graveside rites the family invited everyone to return to the church and join them in fellowship and a luncheon prepared and served by the United Presbyterian Women. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home in Denison was in charge of arrangements where at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, June 8, 2008, Masonic Services conducted by Sylvan Lodge No. 442, A.F. & A.M., Vail, Iowa, and Eastern Star Services conducted by Olive Branch Chapter No. 205, Order of Eastern Star, Vail, Iowa, were held. Those wishing to offer condolences online may do so at www.pfannebecker.com .