Rev. Dr. Richard G. Blair

Today the state of the world has been left a gentler place to live in because of the life of Reverend Dr. Richard Gerald Blair, born May 31, 1943.

Richard has left this world gracefully with profound and lasting legacies in the hearts of his wife, Diana (Davis) Blair and his precious children, Cherri (Michael) Blair-Drayton, Angela (Dan) Drake, Jacqueline Hart, and Maurice Forrest (Jill) Blair. He has left his legacy and love in the hearts of his 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Richard leaves behind three beloved sisters, Maureen Swope, Pam (Dale) Hughes and Sue (Dave) Conley and one brother, Maurice (Bev) Blair.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Geraldine Victoria Blair and his father, Maurice Forrest Blair.

Richard earned his Doctorate in Theology from Andersonville Theological Seminary.  He had a prison ministry and a nursing home ministry.  Richard was a youth group leader and pastored Denham Baptist Church, First Baptist Church in Michigan City, and Segundo Bautista (Second Baptist) Church in East Chicago.  He retired briefly before creating a non-profit ministry “RG Blair Ministries CWA”.  His non-profit helped homeless shelters, food pantries, college students, missionaries, bill assistance, groceries to assist families, and provisions for the La Porte County Home residents. The list is vast and goes on and on.

His passions and pursuits were cooking, writing a family cookbook, quilting, reading and collecting books, and writing sermons, poetry, and a commentary on the book of Matthew.  He was race car driver in his youth.  Richard researched extensive Blair genealogy and had a bike ministry.  He was a runner, running annual 5K and 10K races, Kent’s Run, YMCA, First Friday’s, and Sunflower Fair runs.  Richard enjoyed nature photography and canned tomatoes and special jalapeños.  He was a craftsman and woodworker.  He loved camping, fishing and trips to South Haven and Valparaiso Barnes and Noble.  Richard enjoyed eating at Ricochet Tacos and Mucho Mas.

Rest in divine peace and sit at the table of sages in heaven and reap your rewards.  Richard was a committed and devoted man to his family and friends.  Well done good and faithful servant.  Rest in divine peace and enjoy your time with Jesus.  We are sure you are helping to prepare rooms in heaven for the rest of your family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center in La Porte, IN.  There will be a public viewing from 1 - 3 pm (CT) Saturday, August 31, 2019.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3 pm (CT) on Saturday with Graveside Services to follow at Olive Chapel Cemetery in New Carlisle, IN.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations may be made to Operation Smile, 3641 Faculty Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA  23453.

Condolences may be shared with the family on www.cutlercares.com.