Melvin E. Blair

Melvin E. "Mel" Blair, age 78, went to be with the Lord on Monday, March 21, 2016 at home after a lengthy illness. He was surrounded by family and his hospice nurse Heather. Melvin was born on February 3, 1938 in Piketon, Ohio to the late Joseph J. and Edna B. (Smith) Blair. Mel was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Mel loved to work on cars but had to stop about 10 years ago due to his illness. He also loved to collect salt and pepper shakers. He was employed at Worthington Industries and retired in 2000 after 28 years of service with perfect attendance. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sylvia Blair of Columbus; daughters, Marilyn (Dean Messinger) Blair of Lancaster, Lisa (Thomas) Dean of Logan, and Meshell (Tracy Kates) Blair of Columbus; grandchildren, Jeffrey Blair, Erica (Von Williams) Blair, Bethany (Rob) Gabriel, Samantha (Mickey) Parker, Amani Kates and Cameron Kates; 10 great grandchildren along with many precious nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends.

Mel is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph J. and Edna B. Blair; and 4 sisters, Evelyn (Leslie) Collier, Pearl Sexton, Irene (Richard) Stackpole, and Beulah (Rollo) Frederick.

Family will receive friends on Monday, March 28, 2016 from 4:00pm-8:00pm at Newcomer Funeral Home, NE Chapel, 3047 E. Dublin-Granville Rd. Columbus, OH 43231. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at 11:00am also at Newcomer Funeral Home, NE Chapel, with visiting hours one our preceding the service. He will be laid to rest at Fairview Memorial Park.

Mel was provided gentle and loving care by the nurses and aides of Tridia Hospice where memorial contributions can be made in Mel's name.