Dale E. Bair

Dale E. Bair, age 79, of Sherrodsville, departed this life January 15, 2006, in Hennis Respite Care at Dover, following a brief illness, in the loving care of his family.Dale was born March 30, 1926, at New Philadelphia to Martin and Catherine (Gintz) Bair and grew up just outside of New Philadelphia. He was united on October 19, 1946 to Edith Meldrum. Dale took great joy in his family and celebrated 59 years of marriage with his wife this past fall. In addition to his wife, Dale is survived by three children, Elaine (William) Johnson of New Philadelphia, Larry (Michelle) Bair of Jewett, and Ann (James) Hootman of New Philadelphia. One son, Ron Bair, is deceased.He had a very special bond with the grandchildren who had a great time at Atwood Lake swimming and boating. “Poppy Bair” is survived by his grandchildren, Timothy, Andrew, Katie, Brian, Jeff, Kevin, Kyle, Erica, Krista, Zachary, Martin; and great-grandchildren, Elise, Tristan, Dominic, Devon, Alana, Jamie, Julie, Justin, Anneliese, and Donavan.In addition to his parents, and son Ron, Dale was preceded in death by his sister, Clara English. He is survived by brothers, Delbert (Dorothy) Bair of Dover and Howard (Esther) Bair of New Philadelphia.Dale was a well-known keyboard musician having had his own band “Nite Owls” for 45 years, then playing with “Silverlake”. He was a member of New Philadelphia Moose, Dover V. F. W. Post 3463, the Dover and formerly the New Philadelphia Eagles. He made many wonderful friends during his years as a musician. Dale started work at a very young age as janitor of York School, worked at Fairview Dairy where he developed a hearty dislike of cottage cheese after making so much of it. He spent two years serving his country during World War II in the United States Navy as a gunner’s mate on a Liberty Ship in the PacificTheater and recently enjoyed a cruise on a restored Liberty Ship with his son, Larry.After he completed military service, Dale was employed at Joy Manufacturing and then for many years at IF Manufacturing retiring as General Forman in 1986.After retirement Dale and Edith purchased a home on Big Pine Key, Florida, where they spent the winters. Dale carried his love of music with him and enjoyed jam sessions with many musicians who traveled the tourist route.He was a wonderful gardener and one neighbor said his yard looked like the Garden of Eden.Dale’s family and friends treasured him as the “quiet man” but his wisdom and love was given to all. His favorite expression was “you learn a lot by listening.”Dale was a lifetime member of Jerusalem Church, on Stonecreek Road, southwest of New Philadelphia where he served as an elder and member of the consistory. Friends are invited to call Wednesday, January 18, 2006 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. A funeral service will be held at Jerusalem Church on Thursday morning at 10:30 with Dr. Terry Downin officiating. Burial at the Jerusalem Church Cemetery will immediately follow the service. Friends and family are invited back to the church fellowship hall where a meal will be served by the ladies of the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 West Third Street, Dover, OH 44622.