Obituary of Robert Blair

Robert "Bob" Adolph Blair died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on November 28, 2014. He was 87 years old. He resided in Erie, Michigan with his loving wife of 65 years, Betty Jean (Rowe) Blair, also of Erie, Michigan. Bob was born to Irene (Ehle) and Herman Blair in 1927 in Toledo, Ohio. He is survived by one brother, Howard Bellair of LaSalle, Michigan. Bob met the love of his life in a grocery store in Erie in 1948 after returning from four years proudly serving his country as a sailor stationed in the Pacific in the US Navy. They were married at St. Joseph's Church in Erie and settled in Erie where they raised eleven children: Bonnie (Jeff) Stiner, Patti (Albert) Iosue; Carol (Bill) Palko; Susan (Rchard) Boose; Diane (Chuck) Moreno; Bobbie (Gerry) Wetzel; Darlene Ripperger; Robert (Cindy) Blair; James Blair; Mike (Dawn) Blair and Nancy (Scarlett) Blair. Bob was a shipbuilder in Toledo early in their marriage helping to build the "Mackinaw" Ice-cutter, a now retired museum in Mackinaw City, Michigan. He then worked for Consumers Power in Erie where he retired in 1982. He was a devoted Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Great Great Grandfather! He loved his family and adored his many grandchildren who all knew him as "Pipi." Grandchildren: Jeffrey, Kelly, Christopher, Matt, Julie, Michael, Nick, Vito, Aaron, David, Paula, Rikki, Bryan, David, Beth, Nick, Anthony, Kristen, Shawn, Shane, Ryan, Blair, Andrew, Emily, James, Steven and Brandon. Great-Grandchildren: Kristen, Kroy, Alicia, Christopher, Emilio, Noah, Angelica, Asia, Aciano, Matthew, Jessica, Madison, Joseph, Charles, Michael, Cody, Braelen, Auburn, Cannon, Caitlyn, Nicole, Alia, Troy, Brett, Stella, Mila, Evelyn, Wesley, Harper, Ashley, Adan, Sadie, Destiny, Austin, Emery, Rylan, Kaden, Brett, Jade and Bryce. Great-Great Grandchildren: Saliciana and Jeremiah. Bob was loving and kind and always had a good word to say, a joke or a smile. He loved the Detroit Tigers, coaching Little League, hunting, fishing, gardening and a good game of "31" or euchre. He was a long time usher at St. Joseph's Church, a member of the Erie VFW, the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus. Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Monday, December 1, 2014 at Merkle Funeral Service; 9156 Summit Street (734)848-5185 with Rosary service at 7:00pm. He will Lie in State at 11:00am until a Mass of the Resurrection at 12:00pm with Father David Cybulski, pastor of St. Joseph's Catholic Church officiating. Procession will follow to Saint Joeseph Cemetery in Erie for burial where graveside services will be under the auspices of the Erie VFW Post 3925. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo at www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes Page.