Reverend Tracy R. Bair, age 70 (12/19/1947-10/14/2018), of Grove, OK., lived a life of love, wry humor, and persuasive speaking.
Persuasion was an essential skill first learned by trial and error as the youngest child of the late John and Elva (Bradley) Bair. Tracy and his two sisters, Carol (Gary, d.) Shull and Dana (Bob) Christian, all attended Oklahoma State University. At OSU Tracy was in Army ROTC, earned his B.S. in Math and Computer Science, and met the love of his life on a blind date. He married “my love”, Karen L. Wills on August 17, 1968.
Tracy’s more than 20 years of service in Military Intelligence with the United States Army dotted the globe. He and Karen were committed to raising their children, Wendy (John) Christianson and Jeff Bair with a sense of adventure and a feeling of home no matter where they were.
Tracy received his Master of Computer Science degree from American University in Washington D.C., and his Master of Divinity from Wesley Seminary in Washington D.C. After retiring from the Army, Tracy worked for 25 years for SAIC (Science Application International Corporation). Tracy was an ordained clergy member of the Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church and served both Liberty UMC (Bealeton, VA) and Royal Heights UMC (Joplin, MO); most recently he and Karen attended the Fairland First United Methodist Church in Fairland, OK.
Tracy always had projects – he loved wood working and everything associated with construction. He especially enjoyed fishing and boating with his grandchildren. He was a devoted (and loud!) OSU fan and a proud member of the OSU Alumni Association. He loved his family. He inspired a shared passion for running; family and friends would often run in events together. He had just completed an ALS Walk with his sister and her family on Saturday.
Tracy had a shirt with “Grandpa 5.0” embroidered on the pocket. He loved to spend time with and talk to his grandchildren: Anna Christianson, Megan Christianson, Parker Bair, Lauren Tracy Bair, and Beatrice Bair. He loved his sisters and their children: Elizabeth (Wes) Crain, Lisa (Phil) Houston, Brooke (Tommy) Holland, the late Bryan Shull, and Trevor (Genny) Shull and many great nieces and great nephews, extended family and friends.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at Fairland First United Methodist Church. Reverend Shannon Rodenberg will officiate. Burial will follow at the Webb City Cemetery.
The visitation will be open during regular visiting hours. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to the OSU Foundation Alumni Scholarship Fund in care of the mortuary.
Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.
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