Carl M. Blair, of Portage, passed away April 6, 2008. He was 85.

He was born Sept. 21, 1922 in Lewellen, Ky., the son of the late Grant and Sally (Estepp) Blair.

He was married Nov. 23, 1945 in Harlan County, Ky. to Carma Stewart, who preceded him in death.

He is survived by a son, James U. Blair of Valparaiso, formerly of Chesterton; daughters, Sara (Marvin) Slagle of Johnson City, Tenn., Paulette Czupryn of Portage; grandchildren, Rachel (Craig) Pearson, Kevin (Kim) Slagle, Jennifer (Curt) Remus, Arron (Adele) Cook, Megan Blair, Tyler Blair and Molly Czupryn; four great grandchildren; son-in-law, Ed Cook; a brother, George Blair of Dayton, Ohio and several nieces and nephew, including his beloved niece, Betty Lindholm.

Carl was a loving husband and father. He was an area resident for 50 years coming from Kentucky and was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy. He retired from U.S. Steel and was a veteran of the US Army serving during WWII in the European Conflict.

Funeral services, Rev. Daniel Tackett officiating, at 11 a.m., Thursday, April 10 at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home Portage Chapel, 6941 Central Ave., Portage. Interment will be at McCool Cemetery, Portage.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 9 at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, 6941 Central Ave., Portage.

www.ee-fh.com

Posted 4/8/2008