Enrique Leon Blaeuer (Rick), aged 90, passed away Friday, October 30, 2026. He was born June 23, 1936, in Modesto, Illinois to the late Best Blaeuer and Evelyn Winston Blaeuer Yordy (Hollis). Enrique was raised in Modesto and Waverly, Illinois. He married Mary Lillian Hoots in 1954 and soon after joined the United States Air Force. Enrique was stationed at many United States air bases, as well as abroad. After twenty-two years of military service, he retired from the Air Force in 1977. He then began a twenty-year career working for the Department of Veterans Affairs in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

Enrique was a humble and gentle man whose kindness touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Generous, compassionate, and deeply caring, he found his greatest joy in spending time with family, whether gathered together for celebrations or making cherished memories while camping in Heber Springs in the RV. Affectionately known as “Papaw,” he held a special place in the hearts of his family and friends. His warm smile and generous spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his father, Best Blaeuer; mother, Evelyn Yordy and stepfather, Hollis, he was preceded in death by his wife of seventy years, Mary Lillian Hoots Blaeuer; sibling, Bryce Blaeuer; son-in-law, Steve Wood, and husband of granddaughter Nikki Page, Boone Hogan.

Left to cherish his memory is sibling, Joyce Blaeuer Little (Curt); children, Tony Blaeuer (Dawn), Pam Wood, Lee Blaeuer and lifelong friend Jeannette (Nettie) Pagano; grandchildren, Steven Blaeuer (Mattea), Ashton Blaeuer, Nikki Page, Ashley McCormick (Jacob), Whitley Moorehart (Zach), and Samantha Yamber (Paul); fifteen great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson, as well as numerous extended family members and friends.

The Celebration of Life service will be at 1:00 p.m., Monday, November 9, 2026, at Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial donations or contributions be made to Cabot Animal Support Services, 2951 S. 1 st Street, Cabot, AR, 72524.