Charles Blair

Charles L. Blair, 79, of Van Wert, died after a long illness at 4:10 a.m. Saturday, February 2, 2013, at The Laurels of Shane Hill in Rockford. He was born September 10, 1933, in Van Wert, the son of the late William "Floyd" and Anna (Forrest) Blair. On December 30, 1953, he married Elaine M. (Bollenbacher) Blair, who survives in Van Wert.

Mr. Blair worked at the Van Wert Bootery for six years and retired in 1994 from Aeroquip Corporation after 31 years of service. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Van Wert. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was a member of American Legion Post 178 in Van Wert.

In addition to his wife, survivors include two sons, James A. Blair and David K. (Carol) Blair, both of Ohio City; and four grandchildren, Brittney (Andy) Blair Lesniewicz, Ashley (fiancAC. Kenny Knowlton) Blair, Adam (fiancAC.e Nicole Moore) Blair and Chelsea Blair.

A sister and brother-in-law, Kathleen and Irvin Schramm, also preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be conducted at 4 p.m. Saturday, February 9, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert, with the Rev. Hal Shafer officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert, with graveside military rites performed by the combined honors units of Legion Post 178 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5803, both of Van Wert. Calling hours are from 1-4 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials: First Presbyterian Church in Van Wert.