Bobby Joe Blair was born June 13, 1948 in Enid, Oklahoma and passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026 in Perry, Oklahoma while holding his wife’s hand. Throughout his 78 years, Bob was known to be a devoted family man, lifetime learner of many trades, hobbies, and skills, an admired mentor to many, and a man of deep faith.

Bob was the son of Billy Dean Blair and Mary Frances (Franks) Blair. His childhood was spent in many communities across Oklahoma, with the family settling near Perkins, Oklahoma where he graduated from Perkins High School in 1966. Bob went on to receive his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from Oklahoma Panhandle State University.

On September 30, 1972, Bob married the love of his life, Mary Elaine (Kinkade) Blair in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The couple built their lifetime home together outside Perkins where they raised their two children, Cody and Christy.

Bob was a proud employee of Central Rural Electric Cooperative, beginning his career as a Lineman and retiring as Manager of Operations after 33 years.

He is survived by his wife Elaine; children Cody and Trish Blair of Sand Springs, Oklahoma and Christy and Billy Cluck of Stillwater, Oklahoma; grandchildren Shayla, Megan, and Carly Blair of Joplin, Missouri, Brie Blair of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, Ashton Cluck and Fiancée Ashlynn Wolff of Stillwater, Oklahoma, and Haley Cluck of Stillwater, Oklahoma; sister Nancy “Sis” Blair of Perkins; sister-in-law Linda Maddux of Arlington, Texas.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, sister Patta Jean Hall and brother-in-law William Randell Hall.

In his youth and as a young adult, Bob could be found showing horses, raising pigs and harvesting hay. Throughout his life, Bob was a lifetime learner mastering skills in carpentry, woodworking, mechanical repair, and gardening as displayed through two major home additions to accommodate his growing family; building of furniture pieces for his kids, grandkids, and other loved ones; rebuilding tractors; and harvesting and canning an annual crop of vegetables to last the year.

Bob was a man with a servant’s heart. He could often be found volunteering as an assistant tee-ball/baseball coach, preparing arts and crafts materials to be used by his wife in her role leading various Girl Scout and Cub Scout meetings and Day Camps, or serving in various mission outreaches of his church.

Inspired by his own experience as a youth, Bob was an active supporter and leader within the Scouting movement. He served many years as the Cubmaster for Cub Scout Pack 24 in Perkins, Oklahoma, later transitioning into the Scoutmaster role for Boy Scout Troop 24, also in Perkins until his son Cody achieved the rank of Eagle. He served tirelessly, not only at the local troop level, but also in various advisory and committee roles at the District and Council levels for the former Will Rogers Council. He was a Silver Beaver Recipient and Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow. He served as Lodge Lay Advisor for Order of the Arrow, Inola Lodge 148 where he was honored as a Founder’s Award recipient.

Within his local church, Bob could be found volunteering to meet various short-term physical needs or building projects, serving in the church’s food closet outreach, or participating in annual mission trips to Alaska. Having been invited and encouraged to join an Alaska Mission trip by his sister Nancy, Bob went and fell in love. After a second trip, he set a personal goal of sharing this experience in one-on-one time with each of his grandkids in turn. A goal, which after a total of seven trips, was all but fulfilled before his failing health prevented one final trip.

Bob was a respected and admired boss and mentor to many. He was a caring “brother,” proud Papa, involved Dad, and devoted husband. He was a provider and protector of those he loved, especially his wife of nearly 54 years. Above all, he was a man of strong faith.

Arrangements are entrusted to Strode Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at Lost Creek United Methodist Church, 8002 S. Washington St., Stillwater, Oklahoma on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 10:30am with interment following at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 6500 S. Perkins Rd., Stillwater, Oklahoma.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to long-time neighbors and friends Chris and Rae Allen, Keri Cypret, Companion Hospice, and Perry Green Valley Nursing Home.

As a life-long practicer of benevolence himself, Bob would be honored if charitable contributions were made in lieu of flowers to the Nancy J. Blair “Smarties Scholarship Fund” c/o Lost Creek United Methodist Church.