SAN ANTONIO — TSgt. Gary E. Blair, United States Air Force (Ret.) born on January 1, 1939, passed away on November 15, 2011, at the age of 72.

Gary grew up in Pittsburg, Kansas, and, after high school, joined the Army National Guard with his friends. After a short stint in the Army Guard, he joined the U.S. Air Force. He spent time in the Netherlands, England, Japan and Hawaii, as well as Air Force Bases in the continental U.S., retiring after 20 years. Gary then pursued a Civil Service career at Fort Sam Houston and transferred from there to the U.S. Postal Service. After completing that career, he established a courier service business, primarily supporting the home building industry. He put that business aside in June 2010, deciding that it was finally time to retire. Gary always enjoyed his work, just as he enjoyed life. Gary loved the Lord. He attended Livingway Church and was active in the Greeter Ministry, where he gave and received many hugs, until health issues required him to curtail his activities. He loved his Livingway Church family. Today Gary's health issues are gone and we look forward to seeing him again one day soon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles C. and Ora Lee Blair. Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Ella S. Blair; son, William S. Renken; daughters, Jacquelyn Stephenson and her husband, Robert, and Connie Stewart; grandchildren, William and Hannah Renken and Sydney Stephenson; sister, Alice C. Little; brother, Charles C. Blair, and a host of friends.

The family will receive friends on Monday, November 21, 2011, at Schertz Funeral Home, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. The Funeral Service will be on Tuesday, November 22, 2011, at 11:30 AM, at the Livingway Church, 13285 IH 35 North, San Antonio, Texas, 78233. Interment will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, with full United States Air Force Honors.