Donald Blair Sr.

Donald Blair was born at home on Crases Branch on November 20, 1929 to Nannie and Frank Blair. He was Nannie’s first child and she often told people she was pleased with Don she wore the skin off her elbows sitting up in bed and looking at him.

Don was always a hard worker looking for things that needed doing and finding jobs to earn money to help the family since these were years during the depression. One of the jobs he did at an early age was working at the Stuart Robinson Dairy Barn milking cows at 3:00am getting milk ready for delivery to Blackey. When the job was done he had to go home and get ready for school.

At the age of 16 Don made his mind up to follow his older brothers’ steps and enter the military. He got his mom to sign his papers and was on his way to begin his career as a soldier. Even then it was the Army for him. Travels had been limited for him but soon he found himself in uniform and on his way. He got on the L&N passenger train at Blackey, Kentucky and went all the way to Seattle, Washington on his way to Japan. He was a long way from Crases Branch but was learning fast.

He spent two terms in the Far East and came back to Ft. Meade, Maryland. While home for a 30 day pass he met Avalene Cornett and he felt she was the one for him. The Army sent him back to Japan after he was to Ava on August 17, 1954 so Ava was left waiting for her soldier and making plans for their future. Ava and eventually their 3 children found they all liked army life and followed Don when they could and waited when he had to go places like Korea and Vietnam. They all enjoyed the travel and seeing new places but all decided their four years in the Panama Canal Zone was their favorite. After 21 years and being part of World War II, Korea and Vietnam he settled himself and his family in Williamsburg April 1, 1970. Williamsburg felt like the right place since Ava was already teaching in the Elementary School.

Don was once again on the job search but found plenty of work from: -Becoming a Williamsburg and later a Mt. Orab Policeman. -Worked on the Whiteman Road crew in Miami Township. -Ran the Tru Value Store in Williamsburg. -Worked at East Fork State Park. -Worked for Stacey’s Major Service and BP Station. -Became a coin collector for Kirk Music Co. -A teacher’s aide for Ava’s GED class in Williamsburg; which Ava often said she was the only teacher she knew that found her teacher’s aide soon running the class.

Don was always a “take charge person” and because of that he became known as Sarge to so many people and better known as Papaw Sarge to his grandchildren Ellen, Meagan, Kirstyn and Ryan and his great grandchildren Asher, Montgomery, Ryker and Savannah.

He finally retired again in 1998 and became a leader in the local coffee clubs like Gold Star Romeo (Real Old Men Eating Out) and on to Mama’s Grill Liar’s Club.

He and Mom took a lot of trips but there are 3 we would like to mention:

1) They took their first cruise to Panama 50 years after he was stationed at Ft. Clayton and were thankful they were there when it belonged to the USA.

2) The next was the 30 day bus tour starting in Williamsburg and going all the way to the North Pole. Dad always wanted to drive on the AI Can Highway so when Croswell Bus Lines posted this trip he was the first to sign up.

3) The last one was for him when he went on the Honor Flight to Washington DC escorted by his sons Don and Curtis. Don was given a lot of attention as the local news stations his daughter Lisa contacted to interview him and to hear about the 21 years he served as a 3 time war veteran. On the trip he got to see all the DC memorials like the Arlington Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Being the only 3 time war veteran on this particular Honor Flight he was chosen to place the wreath at the World War II monument. Eating at the Ft. Myers Mess Hall was an eye opener since so many changes have been made in that area. Upon our return he thanked everyone and said it was the best but he did remember that no such welcome was given to the soldiers returning from Vietnam. He saluted and joined the celebration.

Sarge always enjoyed and was proud of his family, his home and his community.

Sarge was called to his final formation just after noon June 30, 2022 surrounded by his wife and children as he “changed hid address” for his final rest. We miss him but are thankful to have such a wealth of his best memories.

Thanks to all and join us not in mourning, but in the recognition and celebration of a life well lived.

Memorial Services will be held at the Central Baptist Church, 3235 Williamsburg-Bantam Road, Williamsburg, Ohio on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 12:00pm. Visitation will be from 11:00am until the time of service at the church. Military Honors will be held by the Southwest Ohio V.F.W. Memorial Team at the church following the services.