Clair L. Blair

Clair L. Blair, 88 of Sioux City, IA passed away Saturday, April 24, 2010 at his home after a short illness.

Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 27, 2010 at St. Boniface Catholic Church with Rev. James Bruch officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery with military rites conducted by the U.S. Naval Reserve. Visitation will be 4:00 8:00 P.M. Monday with the family present 6:00 8:00 P.M. and a Vigil service at 7:00 P.M. Monday all at the Church.

Clair was born July 31, 1921 in Sioux City. He was the son of Victor D. and Ina D. (Cook) Blair. He graduated from Central High School in 1941. He was class president and played football for Central. He later graduated from Morningside College and also played football there.

On April 3, 1943 he married the love of his life, Florence Murray at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sioux City. That same year he enlisted with the U.S. Navy and served his country during WWII until he was discharged in 1946.

Clair was employed by Gerkin Insulation, Everett Furniture and then Bekins Furniture Store for 33 years. He continued in sales part time at Everett Furniture after his retirement.

He was a member of Business Leaders Club. Clair also enjoyed wood working having built many Nativity sets and childrens furniture.

He was a longtime member of St. Boniface Church. Survivors include his wife, Florence; 6 children and their spouses, Teresa Terry and Don Duzik, Thomas and Janet Blair, Laurie and Mike Allner, Bradley and Joanne Blair, Julie and Jeff Peiffer, and Matthew and Terry (OBrien) Blair all of Sioux City; 17 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; 6 siblings, Frank Blair and his wife, Jo, Betty Bobier, Perl Blair, Shirley Blair, Mibs Prickett and her husband, Jim and John Blair and his wife, Jan; 2 sisters-in-law, Ramona Blair and Shirley Blair; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son, Timothy Blair, a grandson, Shawn Blair, 2 brothers, Victor Blair and Ray Blair and a sister, Opal Blair.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Dave Duzik, Ben Blair, Matt, Mitch and Curtis Allner, Drew Blair, Joe and Teddy Swanson and Ryan Blair.

Honorary Pallbearers: Todd Blair, Anne Stanek, Nancy Huber, Jane Miller, Sara Blair, Katie Canoles, Shannon Newberg, Bridget Blair and in memory of Shawn Blair.

Memorials may be made in his name to: St. Boniface Catholic Church.