Robert A. "Bob" Blair's Obituary
Decatur – Robert A. “Bob” Blair, 87, of Decatur, IL, passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, November 13, 2019.
Bob was born June 27, 1932, on the family farm near Louisville in rural Clay County, the son of William E. and Ava V. Blair. A U.S. Army veteran, Bob married Nellie J. McKinney on August 3, 1954, upon returning from Korea. He worked as a welder and maintenance specialist at Caterpillar Tractor Company and was a longtime member of Lakeview Baptist Church before is closed. He then joined Galilee Baptist Church and was a member of Christian Motorcycle Association.
Acting as “Tramph The Clown” for many years, Bob took great pride and enjoyed bringing smiles to people’s faces. Especially the children he visited in the hospitals, taking part in parades, events at Scovill Zoo, many birthday parties and social gatherings. He was a member of Lincoln Laughers, Heart & Sole Caring Clowns, World Clown Association and Clowns of America International.
Surviving is his wife of 65 years, Nellie of Decatur; children: Robert R. Blair of Decatur and Kimberly Sue (Dan) Bell of Athens; step grandchildren: Greg Bell and Kris Bell; step great grandchildren: Emma and Miranda Bell; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Esther Peters, Hannah May Sanders, and Nancy Kay Adams; and brother, William “Lee” Blair.
Visitation will be Monday, November 18, 2019, from 10 am until the service time of 11 am at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Burial with military rites will follow in Graceland Cemetery.
Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2091 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL 62526 is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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