William C. Fair
April 24, 1926 – April 21, 2021
A graveside service will be held on Monday, April 26, 2021, at 2:30 p.m. at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park South with full military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lawrence American Legion, Post 174 Lawrence, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Went to be with the Lord on Wednesday evening, April 21, 2021. William was born on April 24, 1926, the son of Charles and Inez (Compton) Fair. After school, William served his country honorably in the Army. He served in WWII as a member of the Armored Tank Division, fighting mostly in Germany. After the war, he returned to Vicksburg, MI, and began working for Kalamazoo Stationary. On July 9, 1965, he married his wife Beverly (Blair) Fair, who preceded him in passing in 2005. They eventually moved to the Kalamazoo area, and William found employment with Pre-Cast on Cork St. and retired from there after 23 years. When not working or spending time with family or friends, he enjoyed roller skating, deer hunting, fishing and playing Bingo. He was a gentle and kind man who was proud of his country, and joyful for the life he lived. Besides his wife, he was preceded in passing by brothers, Richard and George Fair; sisters, Lillian Clifton, Lucille Crouch and Marilyn McDowel; step-daughters, Cheryl Parise and Constance Koubaritary He leaves to cherish his memory, two daughters, Patty (Rocky) Smith and Mary Lee Kelly; step-children, Lawrence (Kelly) Mallory, Diane (John) Lohr, Stephen (Angie) Mallory; step-son in law, Nazier Koubaritary; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends.
I have so many fond and fun memories with my dear grandpa Fair. He was always so funny in his own way. As of recent, when he was at Portage Medilodge, he would walk down the hall and say, “beep, beep” at the nurses with a grin from ear to ear. He would tell us that the nurses like that! LOL! It brought back many memories because he did this to me when I was a child, too. Another thing he would do when I was a little girl was put his shaving cream on my nose, chin, and cheeks. I thought it was so fun and funny! I will never forget the time that he took me fishing for my first time out in his boat with his cain poles! I caught my very first fish that day, a cat fish! He warned me about the stinger and took the fish off the hook for me. My grandpa was a hard working man who kept an immaculate lawn and he loved to garden. These are just a few memories that will always be in my heart. I admire grandpa because of his service to our country. He donated his uniform to the Vicksburg museum if anyone would like to go see it. I also respect him because he married my grandmother with five children. I always knew that he loved her so much because of his sacrifices over the years for her. He lived a long life and he will be missed. Love you always, grandpa! ~ Laurie Fowler
Oh dearest Grandpa, Although I didn’t get to spend a lot of time with you, the time I did spend stuck with me. The memories I have of you are all fond ones. You are always funny and sweet, caring and polite, comforting and steady. I know you loved my grandmother dearly and she you. You were a wonderful father to your children and a wonderful grandfather to all of us. We couldn’t have asked for a better role model. You will be dearly missed and thought of often. With Love?
Bill will be missed in our family’s heart forever. He was the best step dad you could ever want. He was kind and warm hearted everyone loved him. I think I was adout 14-15 years old when he married my mom. He tried to fill the gap between me and my dad and he did perfect. We had so many good times hunting and fishing. Later on in life he would come and stay at the farm to deer hunt with all my friends and family. They all loved to see him come. My wife and bill were best friends and she made sure he had everything he needed at the farm. When mom passed we had him out for the holidays and he loved it. To me it was one of the saddest day of my life when my brother put him in the nursing home and to him too . Love you Dad you will be missed, till we meet again. Larry Kelly Megan Madeline Buck Hanna Stephenie Morgan Ryan and Darreck
Bill was a long-time active member of East Van Buren Senior group and we remember him as a gentle and interesting person. Bill joined us for many pot lucks, some day trips and picnics. We missed him when he was not able to be active in our group any longer. We respectfully thank him for his service in the Army, our Country and other countries are free because of people like him. So sorry for your loss, East Van Buren Seniors