Oscar Charles Blair, age 83 of rural Three Rivers, died Friday Dec. 16, 2011 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit following a three-week illness. He was born in Benton Harbor, MI on Aug. 14, 1928 the son of John and Francis (Schultz) Blair. Oscar retired from the U.S. Navy after a 30 year career, and returned to Michigan 3 years ago.

Oscar was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge, where he was the bagpiper. He enjoyed fishing, crossword puzzles, and dancing.

He was married to Phyllis (Aten) Holmes on Oct. 25, 2007. She survives along with a daughter, Karen Bennington of Pittsboro, NC; a granddaughter, Stephanie Tackett; 2 great grandchildren; 3 brothers, Richard Blair, Gene (Joan) Blair, and Jim (Deloris) Blair; 2 sisters, Virginia (John) Waltman, and Joanne (Fred) Rose; four step-children and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter Gail Thomas; his first wife Beverly Jean (Brown) Blair; 2 brothers, Martin and Donald; and a sister, Deloris.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday Dec. 20, 2011 at the West Mendon United Methodist Church with Pastor Ward Pierce officiating. Memorials are suggested to the church. An online register is available at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com