Robert Alexander Blair

A service to celebrate the life of Robert Alexander (R. A.) Blair, 94 years of life is scheduled at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 8th, 2023, at First United Methodist Church of Hobbs New Mexico, where they were lifelong members. He died on Wednesday, July 5, 2023.

R. A. Blair was born July 28, 1928, to Luther and Ollie Woods Blair in May, TX. He married Margaret Elizabeth (Betty Margaret) Allen on October 31, 1948, at the First United Methodist Church in May, Texas.  R.A. and Betty had a love story that spanned eight decades.  They worked together in their oilfield businesses, and they enjoyed raising cattle and spending family time at their Texas Hill Country home in May, TX.  They moved to Hobbs, NM the day after they were married.

R.A. began a distinguished career of over 70 years of service to the oil industry at Halliburton, where he worked in many capacities. In 1956, he founded Drilprodco Inc., an oilfield service company.   In 1981, R.A. Blair founded Blair Machine, Inc. with his son, Steve Blair. Together, in 2001, they formed the current company, Blair Tool LLC, at the same location.

During his many years of service to the company, and the oil and gas industry, R.A. Blair demonstrated vision, clarity of thought, and technical professionalism. He was the voice of common sense in an age of complexity, and a man with the highest integrity. He was respected by all who had the privilege of working with him.

R.A. attended Tarleton State University in Stephenville, TX.  R.A. was a member of the Masonic Lodge #63 in Hobbs, NM where he served for over 50 years as a Master Mason.

As much as Betty and R.A. loved their church, farm, and businesses, their greatest love was their family.  They enjoyed attending the numerous sporting events, performances, and shows that their grandchildren and great-grandchildren provided.

R.A. is survived by wife, Betty Blair; children, Joan (Jim) Koontz, Steve (Diane) Blair; grandchildren, Jill (Troy) White, Jamey (Doug) McKeever, Austin (Hayley) Blair, Alex Blair (Jessica Pyeatt), Sally Blair; great-grandchildren, Taylor White, Ben White, Caleb White, Graham White, Cole McKeever, Claire McKeever, Easton Blair, and Jax Beckett.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Ollie Lee Blair; and his siblings, Lurlene Woolam and Billy Lee Blair.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to PDAP and First United Methodist Church, Hobbs, NM.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Robert Alexander Blair, please visit our Tribute Store.