John William Lair

John William Lair of Lakeview, Arkansas, passed away March 7, 2024, in Lakeview, Arkansas at the age of 90. He was born March 2, 1934, in Ashley County, Arkansas, the son of Charles and Ella Brady Lair.  He married Sandra Hunter on April 19, 1957, in Lawton, Oklahoma and  lived in Lakeview since moving from Cleveland, Oklahoma, in 2013. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bull Shoals.

John grew up on a farm in Ashley County, Arkansas. He met Sandy on a blind date while he was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and they married in 1957. Three children soon followed. John was a high school history teacher and coached girls basketball, softball, and track. He also was a little league baseball coach for many years. After 30 years, he retired and a new phase of life began. His retirement lasted longer than his professional career. John and Sandy loved fishing the White River and teaching their grandchildren to fish brought great joy. John enjoyed wood working, bought a kit to build a dulcimer, and taught himself to play. Camping was a favorite past time, and John and Sandy enjoyed taking their RV across the country. He was a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and choir member in their church. As a member of Gideon’s International, he traveled to Venezuela and the Philippines. The last 10 years of his life, his sole purpose was taking care of Sandy as she battled dementia. On December 23, 2023, the love of his life passed away. His final, and most important mission work was complete. Ten weeks later, John died from a heart attack. He lived 90 years and 5 days. John and Sandy were married 66 years. They have 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren. Their family is grateful for the love and care John and Sandy received from their church family at First Baptist Church in Bull Shoals.

John is survived by his son, Charles Lair (Cindy Self) of Waynesville, GA; two daughters, Nina Kaufmann (Robert) of Port St. Joe, FL, and Lori Simmons (Ronnie) of Cleveland, OK; six grandchildren, Meske Owens, Misty Maxwell (Sam), Jennifer Starrett (Chris), Karmen Kaufmann (Jonathan Cooper), Kyle Lair (Jennifer), and Lonnie Carpenter (Stephen); and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brother, Daniel Lair; and two sisters, Marie Winters and Charlie Mae Grubb.  

A Funeral Service for John will be 1:00 pm, Thursday, March 21, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Bull Shoals, with Pastor Jon Norvell officiating. Burial will immediately follow the funeral service at Kirby's Tucker Memorial Cemetery, Mountain Home, Arkansas.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Bull Shoals, Arkansas.  

Arrangements are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services - Bull Shoals, Arkansas. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com.