Sammy Lee Hair, Jr., 62, of New Baden, died November 8, 2014 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville. He was born March 3, 1952 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, son of Sam H. and Leona (Crittenden) Hair. He married Hilda Brown on October 11, 1980, in San Diego, California. Along with his wife, Mr. Hair is survived by his son; Michael Leon Hair of San Diego, CA; four brothers, Jessie Hair and wife Deborah of North Carolina, Bob Hair of Oklahoma, Arthur Hair of Oklahoma, and Randy Hair of California; two sisters, Lee Ann Cobell of Oklahoma, and Mary Jane Wynos of Oklahoma. Sammy is also survived by many nieces and nephews as well as many great nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Chester Hair. Sammy served in the United States Navy for approximately 13 years. He went around the world by ship three times during his services. After his military service, Sammy became a custodian and worked for the O'Fallon Township High School. Mr. Hair was a member of Zion UCC in New Baden. He enjoyed researching his Native American background and working on beading projects. Sammy was a wonderful uncle to all of his nieces and nephews, and loved to be around his family. A Memorial Service will be held at Zion UCC in New Baden at 11:00 AM Saturday November 15, 2014 with Rev. Gretchen Sterrett officiating. Visitation will be at Zion UCC in New Baden on Friday November 14, 2014 from 7 until 9:00 PM with a prayer service at 8:00 PM and again on Saturday from 9 until 11:00 AM at the church. Memorials may be made to the Zion UCC Building Fund and will be received at the church or Hempen-Nordike Funeral Home, 15 E. Hanover, New Baden, IL 62265.
Contributor: R Burnett (47445819) •