Mr. Kenneth E. Van Blair, 86, of 821 South 14th, died at 7:25 p.m. Sunday (July 15, 2007) in his home.

Born September 12, 1920 in Mendon, Illinois, Kenneth was the son of Elmer C. and Cora May Casley Van Blair. He married Mary B. Clow on April 28, 1972 in Quincy. She survives.

Kenny enjoyed remodeling and tinkering around his house, woodworking, gardening and feeding the squirrels and birds. He especially loved his pets and the time he spent with his family. Kenny also sang at many weddings and funerals in the area.

Mr. Van Blair retired in 1991 as the head of maintenance for Quanada. He had been previously employed as a teacher in Liberty and Loraine and owned and operated the Laundromat and Van Blair Plumbing and Heating in Ursa. He also worked as a Health Inspector for the Adams County Health Department and farmed in the Mendon and Ursa area.

Survivors include his wife, Mary; a son, Rick Buxman and his wife Kathy of Quincy; two daughters, Cindy Wojick and her husband Mike of Hannibal, MO. and Judi Walden and her husband Drake of Quincy; ten grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; and three nieces, Marilyn Rollins and her husband John, Marie Keith and her husband LaVern and Katie Hester.

Mr. Van Blair was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Beulah Hester; and a nephew, Charlie Hester.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday morning at 10:30 in the Mendon Cemetery by Russell Hess.

There is no visitation, but friends are invited to the services. The Zehender Robinson Stormer Cookson Funeral Home in in charge of the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Blessing Foundation for Hospice or the Quincy Humane Society.