Captain Lewis E. Bair

Captain Lewis E. Bair, age 85, of Parkesburg, PA, and Charlestown Manor, MD, crossed the final bar on Friday, January 16, 2009. He retired from 40 years with The International Organization of Masters, Mates, and Pilots. He held a Masters License -- any gross ton Oceans and a First Class Pilot License -- Chesapeake Bay from Cape Henry to Baltimore. He sailed numerous steamship companies including Bull Lines Steamship Company, States Marine Lines, five years as Master for Farrell Lines Steamship Company, and Prudential LInes Steamship Company where he last sailed as Chief Officer of the Lash Pacifico. In the mid 1960s, he spent 11 months on the SS African Glen when it was blockaded in the Suez Canal due to the conflict between Israel and Egypt. He served in WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War and was a part of our defense forces during the Cuban Missal Crises.

Captain Bair's memberships included: Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church, Brandywine Goddard Lodge #383, 32nd Degree Consistory of Reading, PA, Nur Temple Shine of Wilmington, DE, Nur Temple Shine Yacht Club, Upper Chesapeake Yacht Club, the NRA, the Maryland Saltwater Sportfisherman's Association, Life Member of the Downingtown, PA V.F.W. Post #845, Vice Commander of the Parkesburg, PA American Legion, and the B.P.O.E. West Chester Elks Club #853. He loved deer hunting in the PA Mountains, fishing in the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays, and watching western movies.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Elizabeth B. (Warren) Bair, daughter, Luanne Bair-Bouchelle and husband Dennis Bouchelle of Elkton, MD. Sister-in-Laws Doris Warren of Charlestown Manor, MD, Jeanette Beam, Brother-in-Law Thomas Lee, Jr. both of Downingtown, PA, Foster Sister Fern Wertz of Ohio, and cousin Jerry Cook of Earleville, MD.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Violet Bair, a brother Walter D. Bair, Foster brother Frank Sears, Brother-in-Laws William E. Warren, Leon Beam, Sister-in-Law Barbara Lee, and Grandson Peter Bouchelle.

The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 11 AM at the Wilde Funeral Home, 434 Main St., Parkesburg, PA. The interment will be held following the Funeral Service in the Penningtonville Presbyterian Cemetery of Atglen. Family and Friends are invited to attend the viewing, which will be held at the Funeral Home from 10 AM until 10:45 AM. The Masonic Service will be held at 10:45 AM.

Online condolences for the Bair Family may be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com .