On Tuesday November 6, 2018 Donald Howard Black, loving husband and father of five passed away at the age of 86 in Macomb Illinois. Don was born on March 6, 1932 in Chicago, IL to Edna (Haskin) and Charles Newton Black, Jr. Don was married to Joanne Dass on April 17, 1954 at the Elston Avenue Methodist Church in Chicago. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert Black of Park Ridge and an infant brother Charles Newton Black, III.
Step Father George Haskel Simmons and Step Brother George Simmons Jr. Don is survived by his wife Joanne Adele (Dass), four sons, a daughter, nine grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Ken and Donna Black their children Adam and Justina (Black) and Pete Verlie their two children Hayden and Jackson of Allentown, PA. Richard and Maureen Black their children Tim and Katie of Carol Stream, IL.
Bill and Linda Black their children Brandon and Kendal of Mission Viejo, CA. Bruce Black of Macomb, IL. Jeffery and Jennifer (Black) Fastner their children Tanner, Bailey, and Breckon of Denver, CO.
Don Graduated from Taft High School in Chicago. He held a Phd of Education from Indiana University, as well as degrees from Northern Illinois University and Blackburn College. From 1954 to 1956, Don served in the US Army at Camp Gordon, Augusta, Georgia in the Provost Marshall Center during the Korean Conflict.
Don had a long and vibrant career in school administration serving as Macomb Unit School Dist #185 Superintendent from 1977 to 1987 and Bloomsburg, PA Area School District from 1974 to 1977. Before that he enjoyed being at Downers Grove, IL Public Schools between 1953 to1974 as an Associate Supt. , Principal of O’Neil Jr. High School, and a teacher.
After retiring Don wasn’t through working. He was a visiting professor at North Central College in Naperville and an Adjunct Professor at Western Illinois University of Macomb. He was also the Caretaker for the closing of Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, IL and served on the reuse committee.
Being a Rotarian was a big part of Don’s life making lifelong friends both locally and around the world. Hosting several International exchange students including Noel Renouff of Australia and Rafael Sahada of Argentina. Don was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow in 1995 and served terms as Club President of three different clubs.
He also had civic affiliations with the Boy Scouts of America, United Way, Elks Club, and Phi Delta Kappa. Don was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Macomb. Proudly serving many years as a member of the Fellheimer Trust.
We considered him a master model ship builder, lover of poetry and art. Cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation will be held on November 17th, 2018 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Macomb from 9 to 11 a.m., followed with a memorial service at 11 a.m., and graveside services with Military Rites at Oakwood Cemetery in Macomb.
Memorials may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church of Macomb or Rotary. Clugston-Tibbitts Funeral Home in Macomb is in charge of arrangements.
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