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BLAIR -- E. FRANK JR. Age 89, passed away Saturday morning, May 28, 2011 at the VistaCare Center at Lovelace Medical Center in Albuquerque. Mr. Blair was being treated for cancer. He was born October 24, 1922 in Ada, Oklahoma and moved to Roswell, New Mexico when he was 4 years old, the only son of E. Frank Blair and Gladys Barringer Blair, whose father was a prominent rancher in Oklahoma. Frank's parents started the White House Grocery. He graduated from Roswell High School and spent two years at the New Mexico Military Institute. Frank served in the U.S. Navy Aviation Flight training program during WWII. He and June Sorrells, native Roswellian, were married in August 1944 in Chicago where he was stationed at that time. After the war, the Blairs lived in Roswell and had one son. Stephen Frank Blair, born Feb 9, 1949, grew up in Roswell and went on to become a nuclear pharmacist at the US Naval Hospital in San Diego. Frank's son and parents preceded him in death. While living in Roswell, Frank worked for Prudential Life Insurance. He then opened the Blair Insurance Agency and eventually worked for the Sherwin Williams Company. While with Sherwin Williams, Frank was the top outside salesman in the United States. During this time, he also opened Sherwin Williams' Las Cruces store. After the Air Force base in Roswell closed, the Blairs moved to Merced, California for June's work as an Air Force Court Reporter and Executive Legal Secretary. Frank continued his retail sales management with Sherwin Williams as Store Manager in Modesto. He then enjoyed a successful career as a real estate broker in California, which he continued in Albuquerque when the Blairs returned to New Mexico. Frank was an active Mason for over 50 years (Roswell Lodge #18 A.F. & A.M.) and a life member of the Ballut Abyad Shriners. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and boating. The Blairs are members of St. Andrews Episcopal Church. Graveside services will be held at South Park Cemetery, Thursday morning June 2, 2011 at 10 a.m. The Reverend Herb Robbins (retired from St. Paul Episcopal Church, Artesia), the Blair's nephew, will officiate. Frank is survived by his wife June, nieces Whitney Blair, Kelly Robbins, Lane Leadingham and nephew Dr. Chris Robinson. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial donation to the Roswell Masonic Lodge Building Fund or charity of your chose. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard Funeral Home and Crematory. An online registry can be accessed at www.ballardfuneralhome.com .
        Published on: Wed June 01, 2011