Jerome A, “Jerry” Blair, 87, of Springfield died at 8:20 a.m. Monday, September 8, 2003 at St. John’s Hospice. Jerry was born May 12, 1916 in Illiopolis the son of John and Theresa O. Cerny Blair. He married Barbara Reisch in 1946. She preceded him in death in 1991. Mr. Blair was a 1935 graduate from Illiopolis High School. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII; thereafter he farmed in Illiopolis until his retirement from Hedgewood Farms. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother: John Vincent Blair and three sisters: Angela Flam, Rosemary Ann Blair and an infant sister. He is survived by one sister: Helen O’Brien of Springfield; three nieces; five nephews and twelve great nieces and nephews. Memorial Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 13, 2003 at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with Rev. Msgr. John A. Renken V.G. celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Illiopolis. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Hospital, Hospice Program, 800 E. Carpenter, Springfield, IL 62702 The family of Jerome A. “Jerry” Blair is being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.
