Benjamin Ralph ”Ben” Blair
December 21, 1918 – March 17, 2022
Ben is survived by wife of 73 years, Eunice; three daughters: Gaylia Reicks (Steve), Kay Blair, Cheryl Wisniewski (Steve); four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Arnold Dean Blair.
VISITATION: Saturday, March 19th from 10am to 11am followed by FUNERAL SERVICE at 11am, all at West Center Chapel. Interment: Hillcrest Cemetery with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Honor Guard of the South Omaha American Legion Post 331.
To view a live broadcast of the Funeral Service, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button on the home page.
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Age 103 and 3 months.
Benjamin passed away on March 17, 2022 at the age of 103. He was born on December 21, 1918, in Gross, Nebraska to Ralph and Hazel (Whidden) Blair. He married Eunice L. (Couch) in Chambers, Nebraska on September 5, 1948. They have three daughters, Gaylia Ann, Kay Louise, and Cheryl Dee.
Ben served during World War II in the 324-Service Group of the United States Army Air Force as an airplane mechanic. He was assigned to duty in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Corsica, Sicily, Italy, and Austria. Ben received the Purple Heart from wounds sustained in Corsica and was honorably discharged on October 21, 1945, after serving four years.
Ben was a great lover of cars. He was a charter member of Midwest Early Corvette Club. Ben owned four of the classic cars that he had rebuilt. He was handy with his hands and not only enjoyed working on cars but also working with wood. Ben made several cedar chests as well as tables, toy boxes, scooters, and a rocking horse for his grandkids.
Ben was a quiet man but loved to visit with whomever stopped by.
Preceded in death by parents, Ralph and Hazel Blair; four sisters: Adeline Sasek, Beulah Hull, Alice Selders, Thelma Kutcher; brother, Fay Eldon Blair; several nieces and nephews. Survived by wife of 73 years, Eunice; three daughters: Gaylia Reicks (Steve), Kay Blair, Cheryl Wisniewski (Steve); four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Arnold Dean Blair.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Honor Guard of the South Omaha American Legion Post 331.
5 Comments
So sorry for your loss.
Wish I could be there so sorry
So sorry to hear about Ben. He had a long wonderful life. It was my honor to know him through Midwest Early Corvette Club. It was fun talking to him about the early days of Corvette and his restoration work around his cars. Rest In Peace, Ben. Jack Urban – Goodyear, AZ.
I saw Ben daily at Prestige Care and there is such an emptiness without him. I went to work everyday looking forward to seeing him, decorating his chair, putting his hat on him, hearing his stories, and seeing that cute smile and laugh he had. Boy did he love to sit and tell stories…and I loved to listen. I have gone in his room everyday this week and every time, such sadness fills me. Thank you for sharing Ben with me and with us. He had more energy most days than I did! Rest easy now Ben and my prayers are with ypu all. ♡ 🙏⚘
Dear Benny…I still miss your presence daily when I come to work but I know you are so happy now with God. I remember all of the stories you told me of your adventures through life and how they made you smile! Happy One Year in Heaven with God and the angels Ben. We are here thinking of you ♡
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