Charles Edward Blair, 92, passed away on Sunday, September 10th, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his family.

 

The only child of Arlie Hiram and Elise Viola (Webb) Blair, Charles was born on December 20th, 1930, in Whitesburg, KY.

 

On June 11th, 1949, in Mayking, KY, Charles married Peggy Craft who survives. Also surviving are his 2 children, Sherry (Daniel Wayne) Lynn Flodder of La Porte and Charles (Tammi Kay) E. Blair II of Deputy; grandsons, Matthew Blair Flodder of La Porte and Jonathan (Kristin Nicole) Taylor Flodder of Valparaiso; granddaughter, Patricia Lee Gosman of Madison; great-grandsons, Andrew Wayne and Arthur Lee Flodder of Valparaiso; great-granddaughter, Alexa Serenity Davis of Madison; and brother-in-law, Bennie Edward Craft of Scotsburg, KY.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arlie H. and Elsie V. Blair.

 

Charles attended both Whitesburg High School and Stuart Robinson High School.  After graduation, he attended Indiana University, where he earned his BS, MS, Educational Specialist, and Doctorate degrees.  Charles was very proud of his educational accomplishments.

 

He was a retired educator and Administrator, working at Middle Road School in Jeffersonville, Batesville Community Schools in Batesville, South Central Educational Service Unit in Bedford, Curriculum Director in Youngstown, NY, and the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum for La Porte Community School Corporation from 1973-1991. During his career, Charles earned numerous accolades, including "Sagamore of the Wabash", recognized by the state of Indiana, on May 16th, 1992, and the "Outstanding Contributions to the Chapter 1 Program", given by the Indiana Dept. of Compensatory Education, on May 10th, 1991.  Of all his accolades, the one he held most dear was the "Best Father & Grandfather Ever" awarded to him by his children and grandchildren.

 

Outside of work, Charles enjoyed boating, fishing, playing bridge, camping, and traveling, visiting the birthplace of 49 presidents and numerous state and national parks.  He was an avid golfer, shooting his age of "83" on March 11th, 2014!  He proudly shot his sixth hole-in-one at Briarleaf on October 2nd, 1991.  Charles was a proud supporter of the Sierra Club and the National Wildlife Federation. 

 

He was a devoted son, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  Charles was generous with both his time and love.  He valued his family, making sure they knew how proud he was of them.

 

Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte. A Private Family Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at his parents' farm, in southern Indiana, at a later date.

 

Memorial contributions may be directed to the donor's choice.

 

Condolences may be shared online at www.cutlercares.com.