Benedict “Ben” George Blair, 77, of Owensboro passed away surrounded by his beloved wife and children July 11, 2025, the feast day of Saint Benedict, at the Heartford House. Ben was born February 16, 1948 to the late John Philip and Mary Emma Murphy Blair. His legacy will live on through his family, friends, and the countless lives he touched.
As a lifetime member of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Reed, KY, Ben was active in the church community, finding solace in his faith and service to others.
Ben attended the Seminary in Lebanon, KY for three years, making lifelong friends who have shown their love and respect for him during this trying time. He spent his life providing for his family at many different jobs (often two and three at a time) including working on the Miller Farm, from the age of 12 throughout his entire life. He served six years in the National Guard where he was a Motor Transport Operator and learned to cook extremely well, 15 years as a skilled machinist, ten years in the oil field, and finally retired from Big Rivers Electric after 21 years of service.
He loved classic cars and attending car shows and tractor pulls, which were “music to his ears.” He owned Ben Blair & Sons “Lil Heartbreaker” garden tractor and mini rod pulling sled from 1977-1982 with plenty of help from family and friends. Woodworking was also a passion that left his family with countless pieces, handcrafted with love.
What made Ben truly unforgettable was his sense of humor. He could always make you laugh. He was known for telling jokes and sharing stories, proving his love for life and bringing joy to those around him.
Along with his parents, Ben was preceded in death by his brothers: John Thomas Blair, Jerome Clyde Blair, Jerome Paul Blair, Michael Joseph Blair, Daniel Edward Blair, and brother-in-law Dennis Peerman.
A loving husband of 56 years to his wife, Stanette Embrey Blair, and a proud father to eleven children: Philip (Jennifer) Blair of Owensboro, KY, Bethany Blair (Jerry Carver) of Fayetteville, NC, Gretchen (Michael) Young of Owensboro, KY, Jared Blair of Greenwood, IN, Liane (Mark) Riney of Owensboro, KY, Joshua (Lori) Blair of Newburgh, IN, Rebecca (Nick) Williams, Elleny (Jason) Ashby, Marietta Blair (Clay Stringer) all of Owensboro, KY, Margaret (Chris) Smith of Knoxville, TN, and Anna (TJ) Simmons of Owensboro, KY. Ben was also a cherished grandfather to 25 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He embodied the true meaning of devotion and commitment to his family who were the center of his world. He poured his heart into raising, loving, and supporting them throughout his life.
Ben is also survived by his siblings: Mary (John) Jones, Thomas (Janie) Blair, Angela Peerman, Robert (Gail) Blair and sisters-in-law: Bonnie Blair, and Lucy Blair of Owensboro, KY, and Elsie Blair of Reed, KY, along with numerous nieces, nephews and family friends that looked up to him as a fun-loving, supportive role model.
In lieu of flowers the family requests expressions of sympathy take the form of charitable donations made payable to St. Augustine Catholic Church, 16777 KY 811 Reed, KY 42451, and/or Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky, 3419 Wathens Crossing Owensboro, KY 42301. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Mass of a Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at St. Augustine Catholic Church with burial to follow at St. Augustine Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome to visitation from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with prayers being said on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home and again on Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is honored and privileged to be entrusted with Benedict “Ben” George Blair’s care. Please leave condolence messages for the family of Mr. Blair and sign their virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.