Robert A. Black, 79

Robert “Bob” A. Black, 79, of Red Oak, passed away Sunday, May 8, 2011, at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital.

Robert Allen Black was born to George and Cora Mae (Dick) Black on Aug. 16, 1931, in Council Bluffs.

He was raised in Council Bluffs and moved to Shenandoah as a teenager, where he attended school.

Bob moved to Red Oak when he was a young man and was united in marriage to Barbara Williams on Aug. 30, 1953. Three children were born to this union, Kerry, Sherry and Steve.

Bob worked for Milledge Hardware and Lagergrens before starting as a plumber for Vernon Larson in 1957. He opened his own business in 1971.

Bob was a member of the Iowa Army National Guard for many years, a former Elks and Eagles member, served on the local plumbing board, and enjoyed gardening and yard work. In his younger years he was a Golden Gloves Boxer, played fast pitch softball, and was on the “Independents” basketball team.  

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brother, George Black, Jr.; sisters, Shirley Lindquist, Wilma Penry and Mamie Major; and eight step-brothers and sisters.

Survivors include his special friend of many years, Cindy Hom of Red Oak; children, Kerry Black of Red Oak, Sherry Black of Corning and Steve Black of Red Oak; grandchildren, Adam (Kelsey) Meek of Clarinda,  Joey (Ashley) Black  of Albuquerque, N.M., Holly (Jeff) Meckling  of Red Oak and Joshua Black of Omaha; great-grandchildren, Cameron and Xaveria Meckling of Red Oak; many nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life service took place Wednesday, May 11, at the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel with Rev. Fred Pilceki officiating. Memorials are suggested to the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital Foundation.