Charles L. Blair, 79, Van Wert, died at 4:10 a.m. Feb. 2, 2013, after a long illness at the Laurels of Shane Hill, Rockford.

He was born Sept. 10, 1933, in Van Wert to Anna and William "Floyd" Forrest Blair. On Dec. 30, 1953, he married Elaine M. Bollenbacher, who survives in Van Wert.

Also surviving are two sons, James A. Blair and David K. (Carol) Blair, all of Ohio City; and four grandchildren, Brittney (Andy) Blair-Lesniewicz, Ashley (Kenny Knowlton) Blair, Adam (Nicole Moore) Blair and Chelsea Blair.

Deceased is a sister, Kathleen (Irvin) Schramm.

He worked at the Van Wert Bootery for six years and retired from the Aeroquip Corp. in 1994 after 31 years of service. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Van Wert and the Van Wert American Legion. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Funeral services are 4 p.m. Saturday at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert, the Rev. Hal Shafer officiant. Burial with military services by the Van Wert American Legion and VFW posts will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Van Wert.

Calling is 1-4 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to First Presbyterian Church of Van Wert.

Condolences may be left at www.alspachgearhart.com.