John R. Bair, 70, of Walton passed away Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023 at Delhi Nursing and Rehabilitation, following a long illness.
John was born May 31, 1953 in Honesdale, Pa., the son of the late Eugene and Roberta (Shaffer) Bair. On July 9, 1977 he married the former Laura Rocher at the Congregational Church in Walton.
He proudly served his country in the U. S. Army.
John worked for Toyota as a head mechanic in New Jersey. He was a member of the American Legion Truman C. Tobey Post #32, Walton Fire Department for nine years, and Walton Car Club.
John enjoyed deer hunting, cutting grass at upper Bassett Park, playing pinochle, sudoku puzzles, working on cars, racing stock cars and working on Butch Klinger’s car as crew chief for over 16 years.
John is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Laura, daughter Anna (Chris) Hitt of Walton; grandchildren Blake Hitt, Wade Hitt, Alec Hitt, Avery Hitt, Jaxon Hitt, Huxley Hitt, and three adopted granddaughters, Desiree, Teahgan and Page Tompkins all of Walton; brother Donald (Sarah) Bair of Lafayette, Tenn., sisters Patricia “PG” (Gary) Bell of Eav, Tenn., Barbara (William) Kraiza of Sidney Center, Lorretta Bair of Deposit, Margaret “Peg” Carey (George Wise) of Mt. Upton; and many, many, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.
He was predeceased by his parents, brother Herman Shaffer, and sister Lillian Sundal.
Friends and relatives are invited to call on Friday, Aug. 25, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon at New Hope Community Church, 45 Stockton Avenue, Walton, where services will be held at 12 p.m. with Pastor Larry Light, officiating, Burial will follow in Walton Cemetery with full military honors.
The family is being cared for by Courtney Funeral Home, Walton.
Memorial Contributions in John’s memory may be made to Walton Fire Department and EMS, 61 West Street, Walton, NY 13856.
Condolences to the family may be made online at www.courtneyfh.com
