John "Shanghai Jack" Blair
November 1, 1924 ~ April 13, 2017
John Leon Blair, better known as "Shanghai Jack," was born November 1, 1924 in Detroit, Michigan to Collins and Margaret Blair. He passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 13, 2017 at the age of 92. A visitation will be held Wednesday, April 19, 2017 from 2pm-8pm at the funeral home. Funeral mass will be held Thursday, April 20, 2017 at 11:00am at Holy Family Catholic Church.
Burial with full military honors will be held at Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin, under direction of Whinery-Huddleston Funeral Service.
Right after graduating high school, John enlisted in the United States Navy in July 1943. He served during World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. During his 34 years of service he served on 21 different ships. He married Pearl Northrup on November 24, 1951. John enjoyed collecting coins and stamps. He often attended stamp shows and coin shows with his collections. He was a member of the Stamp Club in Lawton and still attended meetings. He was a volunteer at MWR and enjoyed attending Change of Command and retirement ceremonies. He was always volunteering and helping in any way he could. He will be greatly missed by many people who knew and loved him.
Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Pearl; his children: Christine Udes; son-in-law, more like a son, Richard Udes; Michael Blair; Gerald Blair; Laura Blair; Dianne Hebert; Emily Clarke; and Patricia Davis; his brother, William Blair; and numerous friends. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and the many lives he touched during his life.
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