Charles C. Bair 95, passed away, Saturday April 2, 2011 with his family by his side at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield Missouri. Charles has led a long full Christian life.
Charles was born October 26, 1915 in Webb City, Missouri to Charles C. Bair and Georgia L. (Walton) Bair.
Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Fay of 70 years, in January 2010, his parents; three brothers, Joe, Orval, and John; and one sister, Elaine Andrews.
He is survived by one brother, George Bair of Springfield; three sisters-in-law, Margie Dean Burks of Kennesaw, Georgia, Willa Flo McLin Pickens and husband, Joe of Mesa, Arizona and Lillian Bair of Holton, Kansas.
Charles is also survived by three children; two sons, Jim Bair and wife Patty of Greenfield, and Charles Wayne Bair and wife Mary of Springfield, and one daughter, Cathy (Bair) Solsberg and husband Tod of Bates City, Missouri.
Charles was very proud of his grandchildren which include four granddaughters, Angie Allen and Carla Price of Springfield, Casey Shields and husband Grant, and Cayla Solsberg of Lees Summit; three grandsons, Tim Bair and wife Jennifer, Battlefield, Missouri, Chris Bair and wife Tarina, Springfield, Missouri and Kyle Solsberg, Kansas City, Missouri.
Charles is also survived by thirteen great-grandchildren, Levi, Bella, Bailey, Christian, Sara, Sharr, Mallory, Austin, Austyn, Jacob, Tanner, Allison, Colten, and Jaelyn; plus one great-great-granddaughter, GraceLynn and a host of nieces; nephews; friends; his church family; and his special Jenny Lind family.
Charles worked for over twenty years for the Frisco Railroad, was injured in a railroad crew accident and disabled from the railroad in the early 60s. He later became became a private contractor for another 20 years. In the early 60s, Charles built and helped run the now landmark “Bair’s Grocery” on South Campbell, selling the business years later but each owner has maintained the legacy name on that busy corner.
Charles finally retired in his 80s to become a busy husband, grandfather and traveler. He was also a Master Mason and member of Gate of the Temple Lodge for over 60 years.
Charles was a member of Temple Baptist Church Springfield, Missouri where he served for over 60 years as a Deacon and was involved with the youth, the seniors and church stewardship.
Charles was proud of his work remodeling homes and business, working with his son Jim and grandsons Tim and Chris. Charles worked countless years as a volunteer with the Springfield Rehab and Health Care Center in Springfield where wife, Fay played the music support and Charles helped with the seniors and their care.
Charles was always a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and devoted Christian worker who had a kind and gentle spirit that will be missed by those that loved him so dearly.
A Special “Thanks” to all his doctors and their staff and St. John’s all for the wonderful care given to Charles the past few months.
Family and Friends are invited to visitation at 12:00 P.M. on Thursday, April 7th at Greenlawn North followed by Funeral services at 1:00 PM also in Greenlawn North, Springfield Missouri. Inurnment of ashes immediately afterwards in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be made in Charles’ name to Temple Baptist Church, 845 S. Fort, Springfield, Mo. 65806.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home South.