John Hair

John Rudolph Hair, 87, of Salina, passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at his home. He was born on April 2, 1932 in Salina, Oklahoma; the son of Joe Hair and Molly (Ross) Hair. In his younger years, he loved coaching little league baseball and throughout his life loved fishing. In his later years, he also played, coached, and sponsored an adult fast pitch softball team known as the Native Americans. His love of his people showed through his exemplary work on the United Keetoowah Council, where he served for 23 continuous years, from 1968 to 1991, the last 8 years as Chief. John served 2 years as Vice – Chief under Bill Glory, 4 years as Vice – Chief under Jim Gordan, the last 8 years 1983 to 1991, as Chief, so he spent 14 years as an officer of his tribe, the UKB. John also served his country, in the United States Army. He spent 13 years on active duty from 1952 until 1965 and 8 ears in the National Guard and Reserve Units. John worked in Aviation industry for American Airlines for 29 years and was a long-time member of New Jordan Church in Salina. He enjoyed spending time with his family and leaves behind many memories for his family to remember.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 15, 2021 in the Salina First Baptist Church with Reverend Guy Soldier officiating. Burial will follow in the Grass Cemetery with Joe Butch, Brandon Daniels, Brady Daniels, Josh Smoke, Jacob Smoke, and Michael Gonzalez serving as casket bearers. Honorary casket bearers will be Joe Byrd, Charles Smoke, Don Aid, Aaron Smoke, Russell Smoke, and Michael Smoke. Visitation and wake service will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, January 14, 2021 in the Shipman’s Funeral Home Chapel. To leave his family a message, please visit his Tribute Wall at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman’s Funeral & Cremation Service.

John is survived by his wife, Roberta Hair of the home; sons, Joe Hair of Kenwood, Oklahoma; daughter, Karen Daniels of Salina, Oklahoma; numerous grandkids and great grandkids; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Molly Hair; and two sons, Richard and Joel Hair.