John W. Blair, Jr., age 79, formerly of New Hope, passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at his home in Smiths Grove.  He was born September 4, 1942, in New Hope.  He was a retired farmer and a retired employee of Wilbert Plastics in Lebanon.  He served his country in the U.S. Air Force.  He was a former member of Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church where he served on the cemetery committee for many years. He enjoyed coaching little league sports at the New Hope ballpark and he was an avid UK fan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John William Blair, Sr. and Helen Nevitt Blair; three brothers, Mike, David and Jeff Blair; two sisters, Janice Culver and Lucy Hamrick.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Bonnie Sue Blair; two children, Gene Blair (Joyce) of Bowling Green and Melissa Towery (Clark) of Scottsville; six grandchildren, Drew Strickland, William Robert Blair, Lucas Corey Blair, Addison Downing (Ty), Quinn Towery and Mason Towery;  three step grandchildren, Cody Moore, Neva Fraizer and Colton Fraizer; three siblings, Bonnie Jean Mouser (Dennis) of Rineyville, Tommy Blair (Deborah) of Jeffersonville, Indiana and Ralph Blair (Barbara) of New Haven.

Cremation was chosen.  A Memorial Mass will be held at Noon Saturday, September 25, 2021, at Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 104 Church Street, New Hope.  Rev. Ken Fortener will officiate.  Committal Rites will follow in the church cemetery where military honors will be conducted by the Marion County Veterans Honor Guard.

Memorial Visitation is 3-8 pm Friday at Mattingly Funeral Home, 195 Holy Cross Road, Loretto, with a prayer service at 7 pm by Deacon Dean R. Giulitto.