James Russell "Russ" Blaser, 91, passed away February 16, 2018.
A Memorial Service will be held at Silver Crest, 13060 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, Kansas at 10:00am on Friday, February 23, 2018.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Russ’ name to:
The Kansas City Hospice Foundation, 1500 Meadow Lake Parkway, Suite 200, Kansas City, Missouri 64114; (816) 363-2600; https://www.kchospice.org/donate/
or
The Shriners, Abdallah Shrine Temple, 5300 Metcalf Ave Overland Park, KS 66202
Phone: 913.362.5300 http://www.abdallahshriners.com/
He was born December 11, 1926, to Lawrence F. Blaser and Esther Osborn in Columbus, NE. After high school graduation in 1944, he joined The Navy V5 program. On his first tour of duty during WW2, he met his wife-to-be at a USO Dance at the Olathe Naval Air Station. They were married December 25, 1946, while attending The University of Kansas where he graduated in 1949. His second tour in the Navy was on Okinawa during the Korean War. His third tour in the Navy was during the Vietnam War. He served as an Aviation Maintenance Officer.
During his civilian life he served as Plant Manager for several companies, the last 27 years with H. D. Hudson Mfg. Co.
Russ lost his wife, Jacquetta "Jac", of 60 years in 2007. He is survived by his brothers, Larry Blaser of Mountain View, CA, & Gordon Blaser and wife, Mary, of Columbus, NE. Russ is survived by son, Mark, wife Kathy, granddaughter Emila, his daughter, Barbara Schaffert, husband Rich, granddaughter Carrie Tomc, husband Matt, great-grandson, Will & great-granddaughter, Ella. Not to be forgotten is his loving companion, Jenny King.
Russ loved woodturning and was instrumental in starting the Kansas City Woodturner’s club. He belonged to the Leawood United Methodist Church. He was a life member of the American Legion, DAV, Shriners International & Holton Masonic Lodge 42.
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