Donald Harold Bair

Donald Harold Bair, 88, of New Philadelphia, died Thursday, June 22, 2017 at his home while surrounded by his family following a short illness.

A son of the late Leo and Alta (Maurer) Bair, Donald was born February 15, 1929 in his childhood home at New Philadelphia.

On October 20, 1949, Don married the love of his life, the former Zelma Gae Beans, and they raised three daughters, Dondra, Christy and Amy. The couple shared 53 years of marriage prior to Zelma’s passing on February 11, 2003.

Don was a longtime employee at Union Camp at Dover retiring in 1992 and was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ at Dover. He enjoyed traveling, especially driving through the mountains out west. Most of all he cherished spending time with his family.

He is survived by his daughters, Dondra (Paul) Rothel of Sugarcreek, Christy (Bill) Blackwell of Dover and Amy (Barry) Welch of New Philadelphia; his grandchildren, Chandra (Shawn) Miller of Baltic, Ryan (Marci) Rothel of Dundee, Carrie (Rick Hostetler), Chad (Chrissy), and Chase (Kayleigh) Blackwell, all of New Philadelphia, and Dusty and Trevor Welch, both of New Philadelphia; his great grandchildren, Tyler (Alissa) Snyder, Hunter, Summer, Tayler, Ryker, Parker, Ember and Coco Miller, Tanner, Ryder and Skyler Rothel and Lucas, Madison and Ethan Blackwell; a brother-in-law, Cleston (Rosemary) Beans of New Philadelphia; a friend, Brenda Welch of Uhrichsville and many nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a brother, Dale Bair and sister, Mary Jane Marshall.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 25, 2017 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A funeral service celebrating Don’s life will be held on Monday, June 26, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home with Pastor Brian Flood officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia. Following the committal service a luncheon will be held in the Geib Family Center at New Philadelphia.

Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Don by visiting the funeral home website, www.GeibCares.com.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in Don’s memory to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.