Roger Leroy Blair, 81, passed away on Monday, July 26th, 2021. A brief graveside service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, July 30, 2021, at Highland Memorial Gardens (1 NE 60th Ave, Des Moines, IA). A Celebration of Life will follow at the Ankeny Funeral Home (1510 W 1st Street, Ankeny, IA) from 1:00-3:00 pm.
Roger was born to Tom & Murl (Perdue) Blair on February 19th, 1940 in Des Moines, IA. His parents brought him home as the youngest of five siblings to be raised in the Ankeny Community. While attending Ankeny High School, he was a standout athlete and was the first student to earn an incredible 16 varsity letters. After high school, Roger joined the Iowa Army National Guard and served as a medic.
Growing up on a farm gave Roger the jump start he needed to start his 40-year career at John Deere the very first day after high school graduation. He worked as an experimental mechanic for John Deere. After retirement, he even returned for a few “bonus” years due to his vast experience and knowledge.
Roger dearly loved his wife Kay and shared 44 years of marriage together after being wed on February 4th, 1977. They raised their family together in Ankeny where they made their home.
If you knew Roger, you would know he was very outgoing and friendly. He always had a smile on his face and never knew a stranger. He was a great friend who never forgot a friendly face. He had a great sense of humor and loved telling jokes. His many one-liners have been passed down through the generations of our family.
Roger was a proud “Papa” who could be heard on the sidelines of the grandkids sporting events cheering them on and passing along his words of wisdom. Roger and Kay loved to watch their grandkids' activities.
“Shut up and fish!” was a frequent saying heard while in the boat with Roger. He loved fishing in his retirement, getting his boat on the water as often as he could. He was a catch and release kind of guy, unless it was a walleye. His love of fishing was passed onto his kids and grandkids, spending many hours on the boat teaching them everything they needed to know, from making their own lures to saying “you’d catch more fish by holding your mouth right!”
Other hobbies included watching the Cyclones and NASCAR on race day. He was a good cook coming up with some interesting concoctions (fried bread was awesome!). Legend has it he was a dancing fool!
Roger is survived by his children, Rand (Kelly) Blair, Trevi (Jason) Sandin, Andrea (Bill) Bingaman, Robin Deaton; Grandchildren, Brandon (Spencer), Connor, Brinley, Brody, Isabella, Jackson, Audrey, and Troy. He was preceded by his wife, Kay.
Roger enjoyed a good party now and again and always told us he didn’t want a funeral - a party would suit him better. Come as you are and bring your fondest memories or stories to share.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Above and Beyond Cancer Foundation or Suncrest Hospice, which is a program provided by Suncrest to help honor terminally ill patients' last wishes. Please make checks payable to Suncrest in the memo of “Days of Caring”.
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