William "Bill" Dean Blair

William "Bill" Dean Blair of Farmington passed away on Sunday, November 6, 2011 at the age of 79 years, 11 months, and 12 days. He was born on November 25, 1931, at Hutchinson, KS, son of the late William Nason and Mabel Esther (Porter) Blair. Bill was raised in Hutchinson, KS where he graduated from high school in 1949. He attended Hutchinson Community College and went on to Kansas State University in Manhattan where he graduated in 1953. After graduation from college he attended Officer's Candidate School in Newport, RI and proudly served his country in the U. S. Navy on the LST 561, USS Chittendon County. After Bill was discharged from the Navy he was employed by Union Carbide. In 1967 he entered Duke University in Durham, NC where he received his masters degree in Hospital Administration. He retired in 1996 as CEO of Parkland Health Center after twenty-six years of service. Bill was a faithful member of Memorial United Methodist Church where he was active in the Chancel Choir and United Methodist Men. He was a member of the Laurie, MO BPOE Lodge No. 2705, current member of the Parkland Health Center Foundation, past member of the Farmington School District Board and past chairman of the Missouri Hospital Association Board. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Helen Joanne "Jody" (Hamilton) Blair, three daughters, Teri (Mrs. Richard) Reger of Wildwood, MO, Lori Sanders of Farmington and Patti Blair of St. Charles, four grandchildren, Elizabeth Jackson, Nate Reger, Mallory Reger and Britton Sanders, a sister, Barbara Gish of Stillwater, OK, brother and sister-in-law, Dick and Martha Hamilton of Hutchinson, KS, several nieces, nephews, and many friends. Friends may call at Cozean Memorial Chapel from 5 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, November 9. Visitation will resume Thursday, November 10 from 7 to 11 a.m. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. at the Memorial United Methodist Church with Dr. Rick Broadway officiating. Interment will be at Hillview Memorial Gardens in Farmington. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, Memorial United Methodist Church or to Parkland Health Center Foundation. View Tribute Video and share your condolences and memories at cozean.biz.