Lavern H. Blair

Lavern H. Blair, 92, of Freeport died Thursday November 15, 2018 at Stephenson Nursing Center. Lavern was born on a farm in Stockton, IL on November 30, 1925 to Glenn and Gladys (Keast) Blair. He grew up in Lena where he attended school and graduated high school in 1943. During his high school years he delivered the Freeport Journal Standard and worked as a sales clerk at E&W Clothing store. Upon graduating from high school Lavern served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1944-1946 where he served during the Iwo Jima Invasion under the Fox Co., 2nd Battalion, 27th Regiment, and 5th Marine Division. He later served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves from 1951-1955. He was a graduate of Carthage College with a bachelor's degree in 1950 and the University of Denver with a MBA in 1951. On December 17, 1950 he married Charlotte Tobin at Second Presbyterian Church in Freeport. Lavern and Charlotte enjoyed their time together traveling to places such as Cuba, Canada, and Hawaii and throughout the continental U.S. Lavern was employed for 35 years at Micro Switch as part of the management engineering staff. He was a longtime member of United Presbyterian Church and Second Presbyterian Church in Freeport. Lavern is survived by his two sons Gary and Jim both of Freeport. He is preceded in death by his parents and wife. Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Monday November 19, 2018 in the Chapel of Peace at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens with Rev. Bill Blomberg officiating. A memorial has been established in Lavern's memory. The family would like to extend their appreciation to Stephenson Nursing Center for their great care. Please sign his guestbook and share a memory at www.burketubbs.com