Obituary of Kevin Daryl Blair

Funeral Services for Kevin Daryl Blair of Elsberry, MO, will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at Carter-Ricks Funeral Home in Elsberry, MO. Rev. Brenda Cockrell, pastor of Centennial United Methodist Church in Elsberry will officiate with burial in the Elsberry City Cemetery. Kevin was born on October 19, 1964, in Elsberry, Missouri to Roy T. Blair and Beverly Barry Blair. Kevin was an outgoing inquisitive child, with a bright smile. He was a great big brother, always willing to help care for his younger siblings and encourage them. Kevin lost his mother at the young age of 9, turning his world upside down. He faced unfathomable trials, but there is no doubt that Kevin’s story is one of resilience and triumph. He was a fighter and a go-getter, overcoming misfortunes that would break most others. Kevin had a special love for family and music. He was a gifted self-taught electric guitarist. You could catch him showing off his skills at churches, music studios, events with other musicians, or simply around the house. He would rock-out at home, into the midnight hours. He also enjoyed thrifting for old records, movies, and fashion. Later in life, Kevin dreamed of being a truck driver. In 2010 he obtained his CDL and spent the last 13 years as a commercial truck operator, traveling the country and adding to his plethora of stories to share with family. He was an accident-free driver and awarded the Safety Performance Award several times during his career with J.B Hunt. Kevin thrived off relationships and corresponded with family members far and wide. He was especially close to his siblings, uncles, and aunts. Kevin valued good conversation and would indulge with anyone. He would give detailed accounts of his days in California, growing up in Elsberry, celebrity encounters, and more. Kevin leaves behind three sons, Vincent D. Blair (A. Margot), Brance Blair, and Semaj Ivy; three grandchildren, Vincent E. Blair, Alyvia Blair, and Luke Desmond Blair; six siblings, Mark Simpkins (Regina), Janet Blair-Besson (Mark), Marcus Blair, Monica Blair, Katrina Blair, and Roy Blair (Gina); nine aunts & uncles, Louella Childs, Ann Berry, Sue Talton (Mickey), Robert Blair (Erma), Phillip Blair (Cynthia), Ralph Barry, Wanda Watts, Andrea Morrissey (Jamie), and Donna White (John). His memory will also be cherished by a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Kevin passed away on Monday, May 22, 2023, surrounded by his loving brother, Marcus and family. Marcus poured love, positivity, and hope into Kevin until the very end. Kevin was a believer in Christ and prayer. He remained faithful and welcomed prayers throughout his life and during his time of sickness. Kevin and his memorable personality will be missed by all who knew him. Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Beverly Blair; grandparents, Theodore and Ludennia Blair, Harvey and Gertrude Barry; uncles, Thomas Blair and Leroy Berry; aunts, Theodosia Davis Bailey, Diana Gay, and Ida Stewart Robinson; and brother, Kenneth Daryl Blair. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at Carter-Ricks Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society in care of Carter-Ricks Funeral Home, 107 S. 5th Street; Elsberry, MO 63343.