Maurice "Bear" Vallair

Maurice “Bear” Vallair, one of seventeen children born to the union of the late John and Alberta (Ismel) Vallair, was born March 8, 1938 in Helbig, Texas. He passed away Wednesday, November 13, 2013 in the Christian Health Care North of Lebanon, Missouri. He had attained the age of 75 years. Bear, as he was known to his family and friends, grew up in Beaumont, Texas. He graduated from Charlton Pollard High School in 1954. In 1955, he entered the United States Army. During his military career, which spanned 26 ½ years, Bear faithfully served his country during the Vietnam War and earned several awards and commendations. Some of these include: Army Occupation Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon – 3; Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, Army Commendation Medal – 3, NCP Professional Development Ribbon, Army Good Conduct Medal (8th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/Palm, Marksman Qualification Badge M-16 and the Meritorious Service Medal. He attained the rank of Master Sergeant and retired in 1985. After retiring from the military, Bear began working as a civil service employee as a recreation specialist and retired again in 2008 after 21 years of service. During his time in the military, Bear met Karen Lee Hart. She was an active duty soldier as well stationed at Fort Leonard Wood. When he saw Karen, Bear made the comment to a friend that “I’m just going to marry that woman” and he did. They were united in marriage on October 25, 1980 and shared over 30 years together and three children: Ricky, Adam and Maurita. Karen preceded him in death on July 14, 2011. If you were to ask Bear what he enjoyed doing in his spare time, his reply would be “golf, golf and more golf”. You could never play too much golf as far as he was concerned. He also loved to play a mean game of dominos and listening to Southern Gospel Quartet Music. It was a known fact that Bear could fix some good BBQ and he enjoyed fixing some for his family and friends. Bear made a profession of faith at an early age and he attended the Church of the Nazarene of Waynesville. He was also a member of the Francis J. Lynch VFW #3168 of Laquey and the American Legion Post #331 of St. Robert. Bear will be missed by all those that knew and loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory his three children: Ricky Vallair (Falicia) of Missouri City, TX, Adam Vallair (Angela) of Waynesville, MO and Maurita Vallair of Waynesville, MO; six siblings: Andrew Vallair of the state of Georgia, James Vallair of the state of Maryland, Anniebell Gaidry, Ida Scott, Hazel Beloney and Virginia Hardin, all of the state of Texas; five grandchildren; two step grandchildren; five great grandchildren; one step great grandchild; other relatives and a host of friends. In addition to his parents and wife, Bear was preceded in death by seven brothers: John, Joe, Ernest, Charlie, Frank, Aubrey and Alex; and three sisters: Dorothy, Betty and Louise. Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 22, 2013 in the First Church of the Nazarene of Waynesville with Rev. Jason Stevens officiating. Maruita Vallair, Bear’s daughter, gave a beautiful eulogy and recalled her wonderful memories of her father. Soloist Dianne Pressley sang “He Hung the Moon” and Soloist Kathy Haymaker sang “Underneath His Wings”. Serving as escorts were Adam Vallair, Ricky Vallair, Les Pero, Jack Vaughan, Cecil Caldwell and Lou Farkasdi. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery – Fort Leonard Wood. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

Maurice "Bear" Vallair

March 8, 1938 - November 13, 2013