Herbert was born July 10, 1935, to Arthur and Lela Bair in Mindenmines, Missouri. He attended Mindenmines School, graduating in 1954. While attending school, he met Norma McCauley. Herbert and Norma were married on July 15, 1955, in Miami, Oklahoma. Shortly after tying the knot, they moved to Kansas City, Missouri, and later purchased a home in Independence, Missouri, in 1964, where they lived for the remainder of their lives.
Herbert spent 32 years employed at General Motors, where he worked on the assembly line and as a mechanic. When he was not hard at work in the plant, he was devoted to his family, raising his children with Norma and taking care of their home. Herbert and Norma purchased property near Truman Lake and spent much of their retired life and leisure time there.
Herbert enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, woodworking, and spending time with his family, including his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed cooking, gardening, and canning their harvest to preserve. Herbert grew many types of peppers and was known for adding hot sauce and peppers to all his meals. He was also a devoted Kansas City sports fan, watching as many Chiefs and Royals games as he could.
Herbert and Norma were married for 69 years until her passing in January 2025.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Norma Bair; his brother Kenneth Bair; and his daughters, Janet Bair and Cheryl Andrade. He is survived by his daughter, Becky (Bair) Schroeder; his son, Mike Bair; his brother, Gary Bair; his grandchildren, Ashley (Hailey) Schroeder, Amy (Cody) Fann, and Anthony Andrade; and his great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Clayton, and Eliza Schroeder, and Addison and Averie Fann, as well as many other beloved family members and friends.
