Robert L Blair
Robert L. Blair, age 90 of Durand, died Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire with family by his side.
Bob was born on March 27, 1920 in Minneapolis, MN. He was the son of Ralph and Charlotte (Lucas) Blair. Bob grew up in Durand and graduated from Durand High School in 1937. After high school, Bob worked for his dad at Cities Service Station in Durand. He joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942, he was a B-24 pilot in the 451st Bomb Squadron which was stationed in Italy during WWII. Bob was a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was honorably discharged in August of 1945. Bob married Pat Lathrop on June 19, 1945 in Minneapolis, MN. After marriage, they lived in Durand where Bob worked the bulk route for Cities Service. In 1962, Bob became the Veteran’s Service officer for Pepin County until he retired in 1984.
Bob was a member of Durand Volunteer Fire Department for over 25 years. He was a member of the Durand Rod and Gun Club, the Durand VFW, the Durand American Legion Post #181 and he also served as a secretary for the Wisconsin Veteran’s Service Officer’s Organization for many years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing cards, bowling and playing softball. Bob loved to play and coach basketball, one time playing against the Harlem Globe Trotters. Most of all, Bob loved to spend time with family and friends.
Bob is survived by his wife, Pat, six children, Carol Shoemaker of Spooner, Jim (Sue) of Appleton, Don (Sue) of Fort Mitchell, KY, Jane Blair of Eau Claire, Mary (Mark) Byrns of Hixton, Mike (Marlene) of Durand, 11 grandchildren, six great grandchildren, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents.