Wilbur R. Blair, 88, of Smithland Rd., Porter Twp., New Bethlehem, PA, passed away Tuesday, December 17, 2013, at Golden Living Center in Shippenville surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on July 1, 1925 in Porter Twp., Clarion Co. PA, the son of Henry and Esther Pearl (Kifer) Blair.
Wilbur was a lifetime resident of the area and honorably served in the US Army during World War II.
He worked as a driller for Hydro Group and was a member of both the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Rimersburg and the American Legion of New Bethlehem.
One of Wilbur’s favorite pastimes was gardening and he loved working in his beautiful gardens with his wife, Fern.
He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 67 years, Fern C. Blair, whom he married September 5, 1946; sons, John Blair and Stephanie, of Seneca, and Terry Blair and wife, Carme, of Clarion; daughters, Patricia Schrecengost and husband, Terry, of Distant, Mary Reitz and husband, Terry, of Sligo, and Susan McElhattan and husband, Terry, of Clarion; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Miller and husband, Robert, of Pulaski, PA; and daughter-in-law, Reda Blair, of Curlsville.
Wilbur was preceded in death by his parents; son, Davey Blair; grandson, Brendan Blair; brothers, Fred, Arthur, Paul, Oren, Robert and Burton Blair; and sisters, Mildred and Freda Divins, Wanda Clark and Clara Swigart.
Family and friends will be received from 4-7 PM on Thursday, December 19, 2013, at the Bauer-Hillis Funeral Home, 758 Main St., Rimersburg.
Additional visitation will be from 10 AM until the time of funeral services at 11 AM on Friday, December 20, 2013 at the funeral home, with the Rev. John W. Monger officiating.
Burial will be in Herman Cemetery, New Bethlehem, PA.
Memorial contributions may be made in Wilbur’s honor to the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Rimersburg, PO Box 419, Rimersburg, PA 16248.
Arrangements are being handled by Bauer-Hillis Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.
To express online condolences to Wilbur’s family or view a tribute honoring his life, visit www.bauerhillisfuneral.com