Funeral services for Richard “Yogi” Blair, 63, of Paton, will be 10:00am Thursday May 29, 2008 at Salem United Methodist Church, Paton, Iowa.  Interment will be in the Paton Township Cemetery.  Friends may call at Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home in Jefferson after 12 noon Wednesday, where the family will greet friends from 6-9:00pm Wednesday.

Richard Dean Blair, Yogi, son of Glenn Blair and Eva Drayer Blair was born on May 28, 1944 at Jefferson hospital.  He attended elementary and high school at Paton Consolidated School where he graduated in 1962.  He enlisted in the National Guard shortly before marrying Kathleen Mae Smalley on May 1, 1965.  Brought into this union were three daughters, Jannette Marie, Jackie Deonne and Jodi Kristine.  On July 18, 1998 he married Pam Dorman.  Her son, Jacob, joined the family at this time. 

Yogi farmed in Greene County near Paton all his life.  In 1989 he moved back to the home farm west of Paton where he lived the remainder of his life.  When he wasn’t farming you would find him one of two places, either at the coffee shop or at the Field’s Brother’s farm.  Dick’s life was peppered with several hobbies that included gun collecting, antiquing, fishing, hunting, and lots and lots of tractors.  If he wasn’t at a show or on a trip he was reading about his hobbies or planning his next excursion.  A recent interest of Yogi’s was Habitat for Humanity. 

Yogi was never an idle person.  He found enjoyment in helping others and filled his time mowing lawns, moving snow, tinkering in his shop and helping the kids and grandkids.  Becoming a grandfather was at the top of Yogi’s list of accomplishments.  Spending time with each grandchild brought Yogi much pleasure and happiness. 

Yogi passed away after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer on the morning of Sunday, May 25, 2008 in the comfort of his home surrounded by several loved ones.  He was 63 years old.  Yogi was preceded in death by his brother, Jerry, and his father, Glenn.  Surviving family members are his mother, Eva, wife, Pam, and Jeff and Jannette Thrane of Boone, Jackie Blair and Jodi Blair of Paton, and Jacob Schreier and Stefanie of Fort Dodge.  His grandchildren are Kalen and Colton Thrane, Shanice, Chantel, Taysia and Corbin Blair, Kristen Blair, and Brandon Bollig.