Joseph L. Fair

Joseph L. Fair a resident of Cleveland passed away Friday, December 29, 2006 in Harlingen, Texas at the age of 79 years 11 months and 4 days. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 3, 2007 at 2:00 pm in the Chapman-Black Funeral Home Chapel with burial at the Woodland Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home, Inc.

Joe was born January 25, 1927 in Bethany, Missouri to Harl Rogers and Mary (Linville) Fair. As a young man Joe grew up in Bethany where he attended and graduated high school. Upon his graduation he joined the United States Navy. Joe served his country until he was honorably discharged in July of 1946. He returned to Nebraska City, Nebraska and was united in marriage to Betty Jean Copenhaver. Joe and Betty established their initial home in Columbia, Missouri. At that time Joe returned to school at the University of Missouri and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration in 1951.

Upon his graduation Joe and Betty moved to Lincoln, Nebraska and soon there after moved to Detroit, Michigan, where he accepted a position with Goodyear Tire and Rubber. Joe and Betty moved in 1960 to Catoosa, Oklahoma where he began selling forklifts. In the mid 1960ís, Joe moved his family to Oklahoma City where he began working for the Oklahoma State Highway Department as a relocation expert. His duties included purchasing right a ways for highway improvements throughout Oklahoma. Upon his retirement, Joe continued working for the State of Oklahoma as a consultant.

Joe and Betty loved to travel, they would always take yearly trips to Colorado and South Padre Island. They established their home away from home at Isla Blanca Park in the same location for the past 30 years. Mr. Fair also enjoyed spending numerous hours playing with his computer. Joe was a faithful member of the Mannford Masonic Lodge 515 as well as the Cleveland Hebron Lodge 215. Joe devoted many hours to his fellow brothers serving on many committees including the Scholarship Selection Committee. Joe was also a active Shriner, avid golfer and reached the highest attainable recognition as a 33rd Degree Mason.

Survived by his wife, Betty of the home; two children Gary Lee Fair of Oak Park, Illinois; Michael Rogers Fair and wife Kimberly of Garfield, Arkansas; five grandchildren, Marc, Mike, Ileta, Josh and Chelsea as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers will be his fellow brothers of the Mannford Lodge 315 and the Cleveland Hebron Lodge 215.

Visit a online guestbook, obituary and LifeStory Tribute for Joe Fair at www.chapman-black.com.
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