John G. Blair, Sr.

John G. Blair, Sr., 90, of Chillicothe, passed at 1:16 a.m. Saturday, March 23, 2024 at his residence.

    He was born August 27, 1933, in Athens, Ohio, to the late Byron Dwight and Mary Frances Goldsberry Blair.  On July 20, 1957, he married the former Royal “Jean” Matson who survives.

     Also surviving are daughters, M. Elizabeth “Liz” Blair, of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and Linda (Todd A.) Glass, of Lebanon, OH; a son, John Jr. (Connie) Blair, of New Albany, OH; grandchildren, Joseph Lautzenhiser, Margaret Lautzenhiser, Christopher Chan, Nicholas Blair and Nathan Blair; a brother, William “Bill” (Betty) Blair, of Las Vegas, NV; sisters, Myra Jane Drew, of Cincinnati, OH and Alice Slaman, of Cleveland, OH; and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his father, Byron Blair and mother, Mary Frances Lord.

     John grew up in Chillicothe and attended Chillicothe High School, graduating in 1951. After a few years of undergraduate work at Ohio University in Athens, he enlisted in the army and served in Alaska during the Korean War era. John completed college and law school at The Ohio State University in Columbus, then joined his father and his uncle, the late Cecil Blair, in private law practice in downtown Chillicothe. He loved his hometown, and always had an interest in preserving the historic beauty of downtown Chillicothe. In mid-life he acquired several buildings downtown that he updated and refurbished while giving meticulous attention to maintaining the historic features and aesthetics of the structures. After retiring in the early 2000s, he spent the remainder of his life enjoying his farm and life at home with Jean.

      A celebration of life will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, March 30, 2024 in the WARE FUNERAL HOME with Pastor Therese Lehman officiating.  A private burial will be held for immediate family in Grandview Cemetery.  Visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to the service on Saturday.  

     Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to Historic Chillicothe, Inc. P.O. Box 88, Chillicothe, OH 45601, in John’s memory.

     You may sign his online register at www.warefh.com

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