FRANKLIN
A retired minister in the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church, Willard Robert Fair, died on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Franklin. He was a resident of the Franklin United Methodist Community.
He was born Aug. 6, 1925. His parents were Barney and Ruby Ruth (Roberson) Fair.
He married Mary Laverne Jacobs in June 1945. She preceded him in death on April 30, 1992. He married Eileen Merriman on Nov. 13, 1993, at Grace United Methodist Church in Franklin. She survives.
Other survivors include three daughters, Beverly Ann Black (Brian) of Indianapolis, Brenda Sue Hobson (Larry) of Rock Hill, South Carolina, and Roberta Jane Edwards of Franklin; grandchildren, Jason Hobson (Karen) of O’Fallon, Illinois, Kayleigh Fair of Indianapolis, and Cody Edwards, Catherine Edwards and Kacey Edwards, all of Franklin; great-grandchildren, Kemper Jacob Lyons and Kensey Nikole Fair of Indianapolis; two stepdaughters, Kathey Nemeth (Frank) of Fairview, Pennsylvania, and Jayne Yount (Ed) of Nineveh; four stepgrandchildren; six step-great grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Evelyn Miller of Rushville.
He graduated from Petersburg High School, the University of Evansville, and Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. He also attended Lockyear Business College in Evansville and Vincennes University.
He served 40 years in the United Methodist ministry, serving churches in southern and central Indiana. His last appointment was as chaplain at Franklin United Methodist Community.
Dr. Ted Murphy and Revs. Robert Allred and Evie Stuard will conduct a Celebration of Life service at 2 p.m. on Wednesday in Wright Memorial Chapel at the Franklin United Methodist Community. Visitation will be held one hour prior to time of service. Inurnment will be at Walnut Hills Cemetery in Petersburg.
Memorial contributions may be made to Franklin United Methodist Community, Benevolent Fund, 1070 W. Jefferson St., Franklin, IN 46131.
Arrangements were entrusted to Simplicity Funeral & Cremation Care.
