Norman "Ole Blue" Blair

Norman Avon Blair, known as “Ole Blue” to most, was born on April 14, 1936 in Courtois, Missouri, a son to the late Arlie Blair and the late Irene (Gilliam) Blair. On July 25, 1953, Ole Blue was united in marriage to the late Sarah Joan Malugen. They shared fifty-seven years together and four sons were born unto this union. After the passing of Sarah Joan, Ole Blue was joined in marriage to Joyce LaVera (Volner) Saunders on June 29, 2013 at the Grassy Hollow Baptist Church.

Ole Blue entered into eternal rest on April 19, 2017 at the Missouri Baptist Medical Center having reached the age of eighty-one years and five days.

He will be missed by all who knew and loved him including his beloved wife, LaVera Blair of Potosi; sons: Steve Blair and wife Karen of Cuba and Brian Blair and wife Amy of Cadet; step-daughters: Laurie Smith and husband Patrick of Steelville and Kathy Moss and husband Virgil of Potosi; brothers: Gary Blair and wife Barb of Shirley and Dave Blair and wife Mary Jo of Potosi; and sisters: Peggy Kesselring of Shirley, Pat Portell and husband Joe of Shirley, Rita Stephens and husband Frank of Caledonia; and Polly Broombaugh of St. Louis; sisters-in-law: Patsy and Joan Blair; also surviving are many grandchildren including: Elliott Blair and Britney, Tim Richards, Tyler Blair, Brandi Grindel and husband Eric, Matt Blair; great grandchildren: Easton Blair, Jaylin, Tristin and Jacob Grindel; step grandchildren: Samantha Smith and Josh, Sunni Smith and Jesse, Reggie Saunders and wife Sandy, Beau Thompson and wife Baylie.

In addition to his parents, Ole Blue is preceded in death by his first wife, Sarah Joan Blair; sons: Ronald and Robert Blair; brothers: Norray and Dorman Blair; and sister, Robin Blair.

Blue was an avid hunter with a special love for deer season. He always looked forward to going to Dead End Road for hunting season and sharing stories to the “Dead End Road Gang”. He loved camping with his family and friends and enjoyed the outdoors. He spent many years cutting wood and would take pride in supplying wood to anyone who needed it. He was always happy and willing to help anyone in any way that he could. Blue will forever live on through the memories that we have made with him.

Visitation for Norman was held on Friday, April 21, 2017 at the DeClue Funeral Home from 4:30 PM until 8:00 PM.

A Funeral Service was held on Saturday, April 22, 2011 at 1:00 PM, held in the DeClue Memorial Chapel with Pastor Dwight Petete officiating, assisted by Pastor Jim Ainley. Honoring Blue by serving as pallbearers were Brian Blair, Elliott Blair, Scott Blair, Matt Blair, Joshua Portell, Shannon Blair, Shane Blair and Jeremey Greenwalt.

Interment and final prayers will be held at the Antioch Cemetery. All funeral arrangements have been cared for by the DeClue Funeral Home.