Dr. Richard Bair

Dr. Richard “Doc” Downing Bair, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, broke the bonds of cancer and celebrated the New Year with his Lord and Savior on January 2, 2018 at his home in McCook, NE.  He was 82 years old.

Richard was born November 25, 1935 in Kansas City, KS to Raymond Elias and Evelyn (DeRigne) Bair.  Richard grew up in Kansas City, Kansas and graduated from Shawnee Mission North High School in 1953.  In 1960 he graduated from Kansas State University with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM).  At KSU, Richard was a member of the ROTC Rifle Team and the Kansas State Marching Band.

Richard married his lifelong partner in faith, Judy Bair, on June 16, 1957, in Independence, Missouri.   The couple was blessed with two sons, Robert and Bruce.  Richard began practicing veterinary medicine in Southwest Minnesota, where the family lived for thirteen years.  In 1974, after a year in Lexington, NE, Richard and Judy moved to McCook. Doc practiced veterinary medicine at the McCook Animal Clinic until his retirement in 1993.

Richard and Judy faithfully attended McCook Christian Church where Richard served as an Elder and Sunday school teacher. Richard’s love for his Savior reached beyond the church walls as he shared the good news of Jesus in Haiti, Mexico, and on six mission trips to Romania.

Richard enjoyed camping, hunting, riding motorcycles, and building black powder rifles. He was an excellent pistol and rifle shot all of his life.  Scouting was important to Richard.  He earned the rank of Eagle Scout, as did both his sons and several of his grandsons.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Barbara (Gene) Potts.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Judy Bair of the home in McCook; sons Robert (Robin) Bair of Hudson, IA and Bruce (Susy) Bair of Culbertson, NE; twelve grandchildren, Sarah Bair, Rachael Bair, Elizabeth Bair, Jessica Jo (Andy) Springer, Matthew (Kelsey) Bair, Jeremiah Bair, Raymond Sullivent, Veronica Bair, Elisha Bair, Kathleen Bair, Xyzanthia Bair and Sincere Bair; and one great grandchild, Abigail Bair.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2018, beginning at 10:30AM at the McCook Christian Church with Pastor Clark Bates officiating.

A private family inurnment will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Community Health Care and Hospice, 711 East 11th St. Suite A, McCook, NE 69001.