Gene Blair Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Gene was born March 14, 1924, in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the son of Merle R. and Winifred (Wing) Blair. Following graduation from Cedar Falls High School in 1940 Gene began studies at the University of Iowa. Following his service in the United States Army during World War II, he returned to Iowa, receiving a bachelor's degree in Advertising Journalism in 1948. Gene was united in marriage with Shirley L. Morse on August 5, 1945, in Ankeny, Iowa. The couple made their home in Cedar Falls, where Gene managed and co-owned the Regent Theater. In later years, Gene was instrumental in negotiating his families' gift of the theater building to the Cedar Falls Community Theater. The Blairs moved to Florida in 1972 where Gene was an advertising sales executive with the Ft. Meyers News Press, The shopping Guide of Punta Gorda and retired from the Charlotte Sun in 1988. He was a member of Port Charlotte United Methodist Church, The Elks Lodge of Punta Gorda, and American Legion in Port Charlotte. Gene loved playing golf and was an avid sports fan. Surviving Gene is his loving wife of 59 years, Shirley M. Blair of Punta Gorda; a daughter, Barbara Ann (Bryce) Giesey of Loveland, Colorado; their daughter Sunny (Michael) Tartaglia; and Gene's Great Grandaughter, Emma Tartaglia also of Loveland; a son, Douglas (Janice) Blair of Lawrence, Kansas; their children, Megan Blair of Lawrence; and Matthew Blair of Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri; a brother, Maynard "Bud" (Donna) Blair of Ft Meyers Beach, Florida. Gene died peacefully at home Friday morning, October 8, 2004, in Punta Gorda. Preceding Gene in death were his parents; and a nephew Kevin Blair.