After a lengthy battle with lung cancer, on May 10, 2023, Bob passed away peacefully at his home in Nickerson, KS; surrounded by his children and grandchildren.
Bob was born May 18, 1948, in Kinsley, Kansas, to Robert E. and Vera L (McKinney) Blair Sr. He grew up in Greensburg, KS where he graduated from High School in 1968.
On July 5, 1970, Bob married Janet Beckham and to that union they had two children, Becky and Jeannie.
In 1973 he moved to Hutchinson, Kansas and began working at Cessna, on the paint line. He continued to work there even when the company transitioned to Eaton. After some time, he moved from the paint line to the shipping and receiving department where he worked until his retirement in 2013.
He spent 42 years with his partner, Terri Blair. They were married on December 21, 1996. She passed away December 15, 2022.
He had many passions in life, including his love for animals, especially chickens and cats. He loved to garden and preserve the food he grew.
After retirement he began trying his hand at cooking and became quite a cook. He was also a very avid reader; he enjoyed books of all genres.
Woodworking also used to be something he enjoyed doing to pass the time. In his younger years he enjoyed riding motorcycles.
Bob is survived by his children, Becky Mead of Spivey, Kansas; Rusty Burbank (Denice) of Hutchinson, KS; Starla Rhoton (Brady) of Kiowa, Kansas.
12 Grandchildren: Jessica Foulkrod (David) Pooler, GA; Tyler Nemechek (Erika) Attica, KS; Raydan Nemechek (Chelsea) Attica, KS; Lizzy Poindexter (Levi), Sharon, KS; Whitney Mead, Spivey, KS; Tasha Dieker (Dan)Admire, KS; Mackala Herrin (Chris) Newton, KS; Bobbie and Liberty Monkel, Hutchinson, KS; Brooklyn Hall, Kiowa, KS; Shandi Hall (Trenton Hunter), Medicine Lodge, KS and Jaeden Hall, Medicine Lodge, KS.
18 Great-Grandchildren: Elgin and Adaline Foulkrod; Remington, Oakleigh, Rownan and Everly Nemechek; Karoline, Jerik, Case, and Ryatt Nemechek; JulieAnne and Adigun Poindexter; Izzy and Axel Dieker; Murphy and Eugene Herrin; Rynli and Maxton Hunter.
He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Vera Blair; sister, Delpa (Dee) Thomas; his daughter, Jeannie Blair; and his wife, Terri Blair.
Pastor Montie McFerrin of the Salt City Cowboy Church will be officiating a graveside service at the Nickerson Cemetery at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, where Bob will be laid to rest next to his wife, Terri Blair.
The Old Mission-Heritage Funeral Home of Hutchinson, KS will oversee the arrangements.