Reverend Blair G. Hanel

Reverend Blair G. Hanel, 84, was promoted to heaven on December 31, 2022. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Contance, 2 children Matthew (Melanie) & Debbie (Russ) and 6 grandchildren, April, Ryan (Meagan), Bradley, Erin (Joshua), Zachary, Lindsey, sister Brenda and nephew Christian (Lorene). 
He graduated from Lockport Senior High School, Lockport, NY, Baptist Bible Seminary, Johnson City, NY, New York State University Cortland & Stony Brook and Grace Seminary, Winona Lake, Indiana. He and Constance worked together in Christian ministry to churches and Christian schools for 43 years. They began serving at First Baptist Church Cadis, PA while also teaching and administrating in the Northeast Bradford School District Rome, PA. He served as Elementary Principal, then Director of Development of Huntingdon Christian School, Huntingdon, Long Island, NY for 16 years. He spent 4 years as Principal of Evangel Christian School, Dale City, VA. He was Administrator of Central Baptist Christian Academy, Binghamton, NY for 10 years. His next 5 years were at First Baptist Church Horseheads, NY and Horseheads Christian School where he was both Children's Pastor and Administrator. He spent his 2 pre-retirement years as Principal of Cincinnatus Christian School. 
He loved to serve. He was a deacon, tenor soloist, choir member, song leader, Sunday School teacher, youth leader, Vacation Bible School Director and teacher, outreach and hospitality leader, and was often an interim Pastor and pulpit supply for area churches. Over the years, he enjoyed working side jobs which began at Lerch & Daly's Clothing Store (Lockport), Ben's Clothing Shop (Johnson City) and then the Smithtown Bootery. He enjoyed music, gardening, working on cars with his son, walking and reading. During retirement he sang tenor with The Southerntiersman Barbershop Chorus.
Blair received Christ as his Saviour when he was in high school. He went to church with a friend and heard about God's saving grace through the missionary work and preaching of Pastor Al Williams. His desire was to be a pastor. Throughout his life it was evident that he loved God, his family and people. 
Family and friends are welcome to attend the Celebration of Life service at 11:00 Saturday, January 7th at First Baptist Church of Port Crane, Port Crane, NY. 
Memorial gifts may be made to Central Baptist Christian Academy, 1606 NY-12, Binghamton, NY 13901