Arnel G. "Arnie" Blair

Arnel G. “Arnie” Blair, 92, of Greenwich, Ohio went to be with his heavenly father on April 1, surrounded by his loving family. 

Arnel was born on January 1, 1932 to Elzie and Connie (Ratliff) Blair in Paintsville, Kentucky. He graduated from Greenwich High School in 1951. He was a Korean War veteran and returned to Greenwich after his duty and married his wife, Marlene and started their family. He was a teacher of Machine Trades at EHOVE and worked at Leppert Machine Company until his retirement. Arnel loved his very large family and loved to watch his grandchildren play sports. He enjoyed being in the woods and deer hunting. He played the guitar and instilled a love of music in his children as they spent hours singing as a family. He was passionate about many things including flying powered parachutes, riding motorcycles, playing sports, deer hunting, and later, driving his scooter wherever he pleased. Most of all, he loved the Lord and was always ready to share that message with others; one very large part of that was his participation in Trail to Life as captain, minister, music leader, and aggressor. Arnel made an impact on the lives of many people. 

Arnel is survived by his wife Marlene (Westbrook) of 67 years, daughters Tammy (Larry) McKenzie, Teri (Robin) Risner, Connie (Jay) Porter, Patti (Jeff) Seidel, son Chris Blair, daughter-in-law, Angel (Blank) Blair, 15 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren, sisters Maudie Maye and Caroline (Boyd) Rogers and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Edward (Eileen) Blair, Lee (Julia) Blair, Douglas Blair, Rondall Blair and Dwayne Blair, sisters Elsie (Dwane) Maye, Alberta Blair, brother-in-law Rodney Maye, great-grandson Ethan Utt and great great-grandson Roman Lopez.   

Friends and family may call from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, April 5 at The Greenwich United Methodist Church, 18 East Main St., Greenwich, Ohio. The funeral service will be held at the same location on Saturday, April 6 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Greg Griffith officiating. Burial will follow with military rites at Greenwich Greenlawn Cemetery. Memorials, if desired, may be given to the South Central Athletic Dept., 3305 Greenwich Angling Rd, Greenwich, Ohio 44837.  Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.eastmanfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Arnel G. "Arnie" Blair, please visit our floral store.