MSU mourns the death of retiree Leo Blair

The Morehead State community mourns the loss of retired Professor of Music Leo Blair of Georgetown, who died Tuesday, June 20, at the age of 81.  

Blair began his teaching career at MSU in 1975 and retired in 1998, but worked as a part-time instructor up until 2018. Previously, he was a professor of music at Murray State University and Ohio University. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree at West Virginia University in 1963; a Master of Fine Arts degree from Ohio University in 1965; and completed graduate work at the University of Kentucky and Peabody College. He was a member of the Kentucky Education Association (KEA), the American Federation of Musicians, the College Music Society, and the American String Teachers’ Association and was a men’s music honorary of Phi Alpha Mu.  

Blair performed as a soloist at venues including The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Marshall University, and The Lexington Philharmonic. He performed as a member of symphony orchestras including The Nashville Symphony, The Owensboro Orchestra, and The Lexington Philharmonic. He was a guest conductor for the West Virginia Allstate Orchestra and was a member of traditional music ensembles including The White Horse String Band and Spit and Polish.  

Survivors include two sons, Eric (Jeannie) Blair and Jason (Tricia) Blair; and four grandchildren, Brooke, Lauren, Jacob, and Jalynn Blair, all of Georgetown. Other survivors include two sisters, Robin (Mike) Anthony, and Judy (Paul) Guinn of Parkersburg, West Virginia, and nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.  

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Northcutt and Son Home for Funerals. Interment will be held at Friedens Lutheran Church Cemetery in Friedens, Pennsylvania, at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 27, 2023.  

Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society.