Jesse Franklin Blair

Jesse Franklin Blair departed this life on August 9, 2007 at his home surrounded by family and friends. He was born in the Oklahoma Territory on October 6, 1907 to Scott and Mattie Blair. He was the third of five boys. His family farmed in Western Oklahoma, New Mexico and finally settled in the Loop Community of Gaines County, Texas in 1923. Jess was preceded in death by all of his brothers, Fred, Mike, Wendell in infancy and Emil. After graduating from Loop High School, he worked his way through college at Sul Ross University and West Texas State University where he graduated with a degree in agriculture science and education. He became a teacher and taught science at several schools in West Texas.In 1932 he met Madeen Liles at a church social in Loop and they married on June 20, 1932. They were married for 69 years until her death on August 14, 2001. They had three children, Barbara Blair of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Stephen Blair and wife, Judy of Austin and Rebecca Blair Hallmark and husband, Mike of Orange Walk, Belize. The had five grandchildren, Scott Blair of Austin, Tyson Blair of Big Spring, Derek Koontz of Dallas, Rose Cantu of Dallas and Odis Hallmark of Orange Walk, Belize.During the Second World War he took a job with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service. He was transferred to the Big Spring office in 1947. About this time he also began a life long passion as a professional writer. Over 35 years he wrote for numerous magazines and journals. He wrote an agriculture column for the Big Spring Daily Herald from 1955 to 1960 called "Jess Talkin". He won a number of awards given by writers associations. In addition to his teaching and writing careers he coached basketball for several years. He was principal at the Elbow School for 2 years and his teams consistently won the local tournaments. He also coached at Washington Elementary School and won the City Championship. He taught 18 years in the Big Spring School system retiring in 1972. Jess had been a member of the Woodmen of the World for over 50 years.In the last years of his life when he struggled with the effects of old age and a stroke, he was cared for by many good and generous people in Big Spring. His good running buddies, Marvin Watson and Buddy Anderson, were always there to entertain him and include him on their trips and activities. They had a thousand meetings at Herman's Retaurant to plan their next adventure. LuBell and Elmer Dickens took Jess to dinner every Tuesday night for years. This was the highlight of his week. They researched his old writings at the Herald and had all of them reproduced and bound in volumes to his great delight. The ministers at the Gospel Tabernacle showed great care and concern for Jess for the 15 years he and his wife were members of that congregation. In the last four years he required home care. Geri Hodnett began this care and continued as supervisor as the requirement for round the clock care became necessary. There is no other way to say it except Geri adopted Jess as her second father and the feeling of love and respect was mutual. She took him to school events with her children and to her family reunions. She saw to it that his comfort, his health and his entertainment were her highest priorities. She also assembled a group of caregivers that have shown such compassion and love that the family is humbled to know how to thank them. Many of their children came to be a part of his life. Their pictures and drawings are on the walls and were greatly valued.His favorite recipes were prepared daily, especially the desserts. They took him to feed the ducks at the Cosden Lake and took numerous short trips just to satisfy his need to always be moving. His wit and clever observations kept everyone entertained.Even after he was confined to a wheelchair these caregivers loaded him up each day and took him wherever he wanted to go eat. Over the last 2 years of his life they developed real bonds of affection with Jess. The family wants to recognize, Geri Hodnett, LaSara Heredia, Terrie Billingsly, Melissa Pearson, Fannie Overton, Melinda Hernandez, Gracie Leal, Gloria Garza, Rachal Escovedo, LaDonna Dennis, Missy Whitley, Martha Henry, Stan Feaster, Jackie Kirkendall and Johnny Mendez. In the last few months, Home Hospice began to supervise his healthcare. We greatly appreciate the professional dedication of Dr. Huston, Laura Strickland, Ann Shaffer, Rose Garcia, Patty Kirkpatrick and therapist, Duane Bushman.Services will be held on Monday, August 13th at 1:00 PM at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel with Rev. Jerry Coltis, officiating. Interment will follow at the Loop Cemetery at 4:00 PM Monday.The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Sunday at the funeral home.Pallbearers are his grandsons, Scott Blair, Tyson Blair, Derek Koontz, Odis Hallmark and family members, Willard Blair and Craig Blair. Honorary pallbearers are Marvin Watson, Buddy Anderson, Elmer Dickens and Lloyd Cornell.It was Jess' wish that any memorials be sent to support the food and clothing programs for the needy here in Big Spring which are conducted by Spring Tabernacle, 1209 Wright Street, Big Spring, Texas 79720.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,