Earl N. Blair

Earl N. Blair, 87, of Canyon, passed away on Thursday, October 13, 2022. Services will be at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, October 17, 2022 at the First Methodist Church of Canyon with Rev. Rick Enns, pastor, and Rev. David Edwards officiating. Graveside services will be at 4:00 P.M. on Monday at Trinity Memorial Cemetery in Big Spring. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. on Sunday, October 16, 2022 at Brooks Chapel in Canyon.

Earl was born on February 7, 1935 in Blackwell, Texas to Raymond and Catherine (Overstreet) Blair. He completed his undergraduate degree in Theology at North Texas State University and then received his Master of Theology degree from Perkins School of Theology.

Earl married Jean Boatler on July 1, 1954, and she preceded him in death on April 5, 1994. He married Jackie Timberlake on August 28, 1995 and they moved to Canyon in 2000.

Earl taught Industrial Arts in Midland and was a Highway Patrol Officer in El Paso before entering ministry full time. He served as Associate Pastor at Oaklawn Methodist Church in Dallas while attending school. He ministered at Silverton FUMC, Kingswood UMC, and Floydada UMC before becoming the District Superintendent for the Plainview and Lubbock Districts. He also ministered at Means Memorial UMC in Andrews prior to his retirement. He was a good and faithful servant and lived out his faith in his love for people.

Earl loved fishing, playing games, and picking on the guitar, but his greatest love was discussing scripture and talking about his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Earl is preceded in death by his parents, an infant son, Norman Scott Blair, sister, Winona Martin, and his first wife, Jean Blair.

Survivors include his wife, Jackie Blair; daughter, Jan Rambo (Dirk); son, Greg Blair (Jan); daughter, Stacy Gatlin (Randy); daughter, Tracy Appleman; and son, Kevin McAlpin; eleven grandchildren, Celeste Reese, Lindsey Luckie (David), Aspen Todd (Tony), Colby Gatlin, Mitch Rambo (Laurie), Caitlin Hullum (Caleb), Chandler Milliorn (Kirby), Chase McAlpin, Willie Gill, Chandler Babcock (Chris), and Caleb Gill; seven great grandchildren, Julius Reese, Peyton Todd, Riley Todd, Harper Luckie, Parker Todd, Avery Hullum, and Scottie Milliorn; brother, William Blair; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers at BSA Hospice of the Southwest for their loving care.

The family suggests memorials be to First Methodist Church, 1818 4th Avenue, Canyon, Texas 79015 or to a favorite charity.