Herbert George Blair(4)

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Herbert George Blair(4), born December 18, 1921 in Wadena, Wadena County, Minnesota, the son of Giles Ernest Blair and Clara Lena (Hunkey) Blair(3).


The Blair family in 1932. L-R: --; --; Herbert, --; Clara; William; Erwin. Photo courtesy of Jack Kraft.	The Blair siblings, circa 1930. L-R: Herbert; William; --; Erwin. Photo courtesy of Jack Kraft.

Herbert's social security card was issued in Missouri.

Herbert served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, attaining the rank of Gunner's Mate 3rd Class. He joined the military August 26, 1942, and was discharged on December 26, 1946.

He worked as a carpenter.

Herbert married (first), ------ --, 19--, Velda Maire Kell. She was born November 18, 1920 in Pawnee Rock, Kansas, the daughter of L----- J----- Kell and Edra Naim (------) Kell. Her social security card was issued in Kansas. It was apparently Velda’s second marriage, her first having been to ------ Smith, with whom she had a child. Their children, including Velda’s from her first marriage, were as follows.

Children:

For Velda’s life subsequent to her marriage with Herbert, see the appendix.

Herbert married (second), ------ --, 19--, ------ ------ ------. She was born ------ --, 19-- in ------, the daughter of ------ ------ ------ and ------ ------ (------) ------. It was apparently her second marriage, her first having been to ------ Pederson, with whom she had a child. Their children, including hers from her first marriage, were as follows:

Children:

Herbert married (third), February 15, 1959 in Williston, Williams County, North Dakota, Harriet June Nelson. She was born June 28, 1929 in Culbertson, Roosevelt County, Montana, the daughter of Walter Nelson and Nina Marie (Nelsen) Nelson. She was raised and educated in Culbertson, graduating from Culbertson High School in 1947, afterwards attending college and nursing school. She remained in nursing throughout her life, working in numerous hospitals and nursing homes in Montana. Her social security card was issued in Montana. Harriet had married (first), May --, 1953, Reuben Emmanuel Johnson. He was born February 12, 1930 in Westby, Sheridan County, Montana, the son of Peter Johnson and Meta (Freund) Johnson. Reuben Johnson died of kidney disease May 10, 1957 in ------. Harriet had two children from her first marriage, and she and Herbert had two children together, as follows.

Children:

In 1959 and 1960 Herbert was living in Williston, Williams County, North Dakota.

Herbert died October 27, 1978, aged 56, in Missoula, Missoula County, Montana. His last social security benefit was received in Missoula, Missoula County, Montana. He was buried November 2, 1978 in Wadena, Wadena County, Minnesota. His grave bears a marker with the following inscription:

Photo courtesy of Jack Kraft.

Harriet retired from nursing in 1989. She spent her retirement enjoying her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed reading and listening to music, and was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Missoula.

Harriet J. Blair’s last residence was Missoula, Missoula County, Montana 59801. She died Monday, April 7, 2003, aged 73, at St. Patrick Hospital, Missoula, Missoula County, Montana. Her last benefit was received in Missoula, Missoula County, Montana 59801. She was survived by a son and stepson, two daughters, a brother, twelve grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Visitation was from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, April 10, 2003 at Garden City Funeral Home. Funeral services were held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, April 11, 2003 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, with burial following at Sunset Memorial Cemetery. A reception followed the committal services at the church. Harriet’s grave bears a marker with the following inscription:

Photo courtesy of Jack Kraft.

Appendix.

Velda Kell Blair was an alumna of Fort Hays State Teachers College in Hays, Kansas and Michigan State University in Lansing, Michigan where her brother Bill L. Kell was a member of the Counseling Center faculty. After her marriage to Herbert, Velda began a twenty-five year career as a junior high school teacher in 1955, working successively in Great Bend, Kansas, Greenville, Michigan, Tucson, Arizona and the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District in San Diego, California, from which she retired in 1980. She was held in high regard by her students and colleagues for her fairness and consideration, enthusiasm for learning and living, and her indomitable optimism and humor. By her family and friends she was cherished for her full-hearted acceptance of others and whatever life dealt and for her instinctual kindness and integrity.

In retirement she belonged to the Silvergate Riding Club and the Retired Teachers Association.

Velda K. Blair’s last residence was San Diego, San Diego County, California 92104. She died of complications from pneumonia Tuesday, January 18, 2000 in San Diego, San Diego County, California. There were no formal services locally, though memorial flowers were directed to North Park Community Church. Cremation was through Featheringill Mortuary, San Diego, directed by Beckwith Mortuary, with subsequent services in Pawnee Rock, Barton County, Kansas and burial in Pawnee Rock Cemetery.

From Aug. 15, 2005 revision.
Posted Apr. 9, 2004.
Updated Aug. 17, Sep. 10, 17, Nov. 15, 2004, Aug. 15, 2005.