Kenneth Gene Blair

Kenneth Gene Blair, 64, of Rockford, passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2017, with his loving family at his side. Ken was born in Browning, Montana on May 21, 1953; son of Raymond L. and Jean M. (Higgins) Blair. Ken married his loving wife, Bangon (Tengtragoon) Blair on January 13, 1971 in Mt. Home, Idaho. Ken proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, enlisting in May of 1971 and retiring in June of 1991. Ken served in Vietnam, Panama, and both the Persian Gulf and Operation Desert Storm earning the Gallantry Cross and Bronze Star. He was fiercely proud of his Scottish heritage, was a member of the International Poets Society, and wrote numerous poems. He appreciated his family’s love for him, and seeing them grow throughout the years.

Ken is survived by his wife, Bangon Blair; children, Laura (Charles) Manny, Ben (Cathy) Blair, Mawnie (Chad) “Mary” Gonzalez; Andrew (Bridgette) Blair; grandchildren, Abigail, Nathan, Jacob, Jared, Stacy, Chloe, Alexis, Leon, Dominique, stepchildren; Chusak Sillatham, Theresa Tengtragoon, Ratree (Mike) Crawley, Thuk Patan, Bungon Tengtragoon; sisters, Theresa Blair and Gina Nicholson; cousin, Warren White.

He is predeceased by his parents.

Funeral service will be held at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, October 17, 2017; at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL, 61108 with Pastor Dean Parker officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until time of service. Burial will be private and on a later date. Share condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com