Charles Blair, Jr. (2021)

AUSTIN, BLAIR, BROWN, THOMAS

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 11/8/2023 at 18:03:23

Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home
Winterset, Iowa

Charles Blair, 94, of Macksburg, passed away December 20, 2021 after a long life, well lived.

Charles was born October 14, 1927 to Charles L. Blair Sr. and Mamie Thomas Blair on their farm near Macksburg, where he then spent all but a few years of his life.

Charles graduated from Macksburg High School, where he met Margaret, and impatiently waited for her to graduate. She made him wait to marry until she could sign for their marriage license herself. They were married September 19, 1948. Charles didn’t want to wait until he was 21, so his father had to sign for him.

Charles farmed his family’s Century Farm his entire life, initially with his father then with his brother Lee. He was a Pioneer Seed Salesman for 10 years. He served on the Board of Directors for the Madison County Angus Association and Madison County Pork Producers. Additionally, he served on the Madison County Zoning Commission, the Madison County Condemnation Board, and the Macksburg United Methodist Church Board. He was an Honorary Orient Macksburg FFA member, a Boys 4-H leader and Grand River Township Trustee.

Charles acquired his airplane pilot’s license at the age of 50. He collected and restored numerous antique tractors, and enjoyed many years in camping clubs and traveling the United States. Charles loved the Iowa State Fair, and camped there for more than 50 yrs. In addition to his farm, tractors and camping Charles loved aviation, a good card game and a good joke. He could fix most anything - often when it was beyond fixing!

Charles was predeceased by his mother, Mamie Thomas Blair; father, Charles Blair Sr.; and brothers, Merle Blair and Lee Blair.

Charles is survived by his wife, Margaret; son, Rick (Vicky); daughter, Chris (Paul); granddaughters, Lynette (David), Angela (Justin), and Jennifer (Mike); and great-grandchildren, Ava and Jim. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Ora Austin and Alice Brown as well as many nieces and nephew.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation or to the family.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 3, 2021 at the Macksburg United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Moon Cemetery. The family requests that all attendees wear a mask. Online condolences may be left at caldwellparrish.com.

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