Bob Blair

Robert William “Bob” Blair, affectionately known as “Papa” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and “Mr. La Junta” to countless friends and colleagues, peacefully passed away Thursday, May 29, 2025 at his La Junta home surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born April 5, 1939 in Denver, Colorado and was the beloved son of George & Thelma (Baker) Blair of La Junta.

A proud La Juntan through and through, Bob’s contributions to his community were countless, and the personal accolades he achieved over a lifetime of service were matched only by the deep affection with which he was regarded. His legacy—personal, professional, and civic—is enduring, powerful, and deeply rooted in both family and community.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Jan Blair, of the family home in La Junta; his children Jay (Sheree) Blair of Emporia, Kansas; Bobby (Lori) Blair of Rawlins, Wyoming; and Kelly (Gary Jr.) Addington of La Junta, Colorado. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Tate Blair, Brooke (James) Hollingshead, Megan (Tommy) Coufal, Lauren Addington, Tyler Addington, and Reece Addington; and great-grandchildren: Gabe and Faith Hollingshead, Easton and Logan Coufal. Bob was preceded in death by his daughter Amy Blair, and by his parents, George and Thelma Blair.

Though banking was Bob’s profession, it was his unshakable commitment to service that defined his life. Always the reliable treasurer and the voice of financial and common sense, Bob was the behind-the-scenes force in countless local organizations: the La Junta Golf Course, Quarterback Club, Investment Club, and AVRMC Hospital Board, among others. A lifelong champion of youth sports, Bob established La Junta’s Youth Baseball League and Growler Wrestling, and was instrumental in the development of Tiger Gym and the city’s outstanding sports fields.

A true believer in quiet service, Bob dedicated decades to delivering Meals on Wheels to senior citizens—many of whom were younger than he was. For those on his route, it wasn’t just the food they anticipated, but the warm conversation and kindness Bob brought along with it. His familiar white Toyota pickup became a welcome sight for many.

Bob served as President of the La Junta Chamber of Commerce and was honored with the Community Service Award twice, in 1976 and again in 1998. He was inducted into the La Junta High School Hall of Fame in 2018—an especially fitting recognition for a man whose blood, it was said, ran Orange and Black.

He will be missed by friends, neighbors, nieces and nephews, his sister-in-law, members of his church, and by many who may not have known him personally, but who nonetheless felt the impact of his presence and work.

Bob Blair’s life stands as a testament to the belief that meaningful acts of service need not be flashy to be profound. His humility, good humor, and steadfast spirit left the world better than he found it. In his final days, he was as dignified and valiant as he had been throughout his extraordinary life.

A Celebration of Bob's Life will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at First Church of the Nazarene in La Junta with Pastor Mark Callister officiating. Visitation will be held Friday, June 6, 2025 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel in La Junta.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.