Obituary of Howard Joseph Bellair

Howard Joseph Bellair was born in Toledo, Ohio on September 19, 1925. He was one of two children born from the union of the late Herman Blair and the late Irene (Ehle) Blair. Howard attended Monroe High School. Howard married the love of his life Carletta Cousino in 1942. From this union, would come the birth of six beautiful children. He supported his family as a boiler operator at Consumer Power Company for thirty-eight years, retiring in 1985 and received his spiritual nourishment as a member of St. John The Baptist Church in Monroe. Howard was kind and generous, often helping others in need. He loved his family and cherished time spent with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He was outgoing, and enjoyed his travels with his family in Michigan. He and Carletta adored their many beagles they raised over the years and belonged to the Ottawa River Beagle Club. As an avid wildlife conservator, Howard was very active in Ducks Unlimited. Howard Joseph Bellair, age 91 of Monroe passed away at 2:10pm on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at MagnumCare of Monroe. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by his beloved wife of seventy-one years, Carletta (February 12, 2013); four children: Thomas Bellair, Mary Ellen Bellair, Mary Lou O’Harrow, and Marlene (Philip Sr.) Schaub; his mother and father-in-law: Addison and Leona Cousino; a brother: Robert Blair; and a granddaughter: Martha Kaye O’Harrow. To cherish his memory, he leaves a son: Robert (Angela) Bellair of Manitou Beach, Michigan; a daughter: Janet (Leon) Lindsay of Monroe; eleven grandchildren: Lori (Roger) Harris, Michelle O’Harrow, Philip Schaub Jr., Patrick Schaub, Penny (Hank) Freeman, Edward Bellair, Robert Bellair Jr., Cindi (Chuck) Clark, Howard (Brandy) Bellair, Kay Bellair, and Thomas (Sheila) Bellair Jr; twenty-six great-grandchildren; and seventeen great-great-grandchildren. Friends may gather from 11:00am until 3:00pm on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at Merkle Funeral Service; South Monroe, 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070. A Funeral Service will follow at 3:00pm also at Merkle’s with Father James Smalarz of St. John The Baptist Church officiating. Memorial donations are suggested to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church or Ducks Unlimited. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com