Homer Harrison Blass Jr.

Homer Harrison Blass, Jr., 73, of Lynchburg celebrated his first day in his heavenly home on Saturday, July 27, 2013. He was born March 16, 1940 in Independence, Kansas the only child of the late Homer H. Blass, Sr., a linotype setter who instilled in Homer a love of the printed word and the ethics of hardwork and loyalty, and the late Clara Thompson Blass who instilled the qualities of honesty and caring for others. Homer professed his faith in Christ and was baptized at an early age. He was always an active member in a local body of believers and was a member of Thomas Road Baptist Church. As a youth, he was active in Boy Scouts where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and earned the God and Country award. Homer’s junior high school history teacher used her own funds to create learning centers that peaked his passion in history. He earned his B.A. degree from the University of Tulsa, his M.A. degree from the University of Illinois and his PhD from the University of Missouri. His greatest joy in life was passing on his knowledge to others. He was first an assistant professor of History at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO., from 1966 – 1983 and served as an Associate Professor of History at Liberty University since 1983. He professionally published over 30 articles and contributed book reviews in several journals. He attended a summer session in Military history at West Point. He was an ardent bibliophile who integrated his learning with an encyclopedic recall of information at a depth that was remarkable. Homer was a loving husband and devoted father; he is survived by his wife Linda L. Blass. They were married in Johnstown, PA, December 20, 1975 and is also survived by his son, Scott Christopher Blass, born July 5, 1980. Being an only child, he enjoyed being a part of the large family he married into. A service celebrating his life will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, August 1, 2013 at Thomas Road Baptist Church with Rev. Matt Willmington officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Liberty University library, Gleaning for the World or the American Cancer Society.