Harold Leo Blair, age 81, of Georgetown, formerly of Morehead, retired MSU professor of music, passed away Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at the UK Medical Center in Lexington.

Born August 15, 1941, in Parkersburg, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Isaac Ray Blair and June White Blair.

Leo's loving wife of 57 years, Mary Jane (Gorsuch) Blair, whom he wed November 3, 1963, preceded him in death on December 19, 2020, at St. Claire HealthCare in Morehead.

He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Eric and Jeannie Blair and Jason and Tricia Blair; and four grandchildren, Brooke, Lauren, Jacob, and Jalynn Blair, all of Georgetown, Kentucky.  Other survivors include two sisters, Robin Anthony (Mike) and Judy Guinn (Paul), of Parkersburg, WV, as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

The Blair family moved to Morehead in 1975 when Leo accepted a faculty position in the Department of Music at Morehead State University. Previously, he had been a professor of music at Murray State University and Ohio University. He earned the Bachelor of Music degree at West Virginia University in 1963; the Master of Fine Arts degree from Ohio University in 1965; and completed graduate work at the University of Kentucky and Peabody College.

In addition to teaching nearly 40 years, Leo was well known and active in both the classical music community and the traditional music community.  His concert appearances as soloist include prestigious venues such as 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 has served as guest conductor of orchestras including West Virginia Allstate Orchestra and has been a member of traditional music ensembles including The White Horse String Band and Spit and Polish.

Although music was his lifelong passion, Leo also enjoyed woodworking, reading (primarily American history), and fishing. Leo and Mary Jane were active in many community organizations and were faithful members of the United Methodist Church. Spending time with family was always a priority with Leo —and favorite memories abound among the children and grandchildren.  He will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351

Leo will be laid to rest next to his wife at Friedens Lutheran Church Cemetery in Friedens, Pennsylvania, at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society.

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