Robert Leroy Blair

Robert "Bob" Leroy Blair, 71, of Emmett, died on Friday, November 28, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.

Bob was born on September 4, 1954, in Topeka, KS, the son of Carol L. and Lois (Rinck) Couch. He was an outstanding cross-country athlete and graduated from S. Marys High School in 1972.

Bob married Kathy Rezac on May 24, 1974; they later divorced.

After high school, he began working for Bob Rezac Plumbing until 1978, when the Jeffrey Energy Center Unit One went online. Bob worked there for 35 years before his retirement, first starting in the Buildings and Grounds department and later moving to the Fuel Crew to work as a heavy equipment operator.

Bob was the owner of The Longhorn Saloon and The Other Bar in Emmett for many years and served on the board of Fire District #8 for more than 20 years. Following his retirement, Bob worked for the City of Emmett in their Maintenance department.

Bob was a diehard NASCAR fan, he loved to play golf in his spare time and enjoyed cheering on the KU Jayhawks and the Kansas City Chiefs. One of his favorite pastimes for over 40 years though, was the annual family camping trip to Lake Perry over the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.

Bob is survived by his three children, Matt (Heidi) Blair, Jeremy (Sara) Blair, and Ashley (Paul) Mitchell; grandchildren, Brandon, Lilly, Lyla, Kayleigh, Talon, Easton, and Harper; sister, Linda Cell, and nieces, Jacque Harmon and Judy Boone.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Larry Cell.

A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM on Friday, December 5 at Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St. in St. Marys. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, December 6, also at Piper Funeral Home. Inurnment will take place at a later date in St. Clere Cemetery in Emmett.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bob’s memory may be made directly to his family for his grandchildren: please make checks payable to his daughter, Ashley Mitchell and these may be sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, KS 66536.