Richard Black

Richard W. Black, affectionately referred to as Tiger died on Friday, April 4, 2008 in his office at Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Danville, Illinois. He was 87. He is survived by his wife Barbara. Other survivors include four children, Linda Morrison and Leslie Black, both of West Jefferson, North Carolina, Mark Black of Danville and Todd Black of Champaign. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Sara Kronteras of Tolleson, Arizona, Rachel, Jane, Peter and David Black of Champaign, and three great-grandchildren, Jessica, Sophia and Chance Kronteras of Tolleson, Arizona. He was born October 3, 1920 in Fairmount, Illinois to James and Mildred Black. Both parents preceded him in death, as did an infant brother. He grew up in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Danville and attended Garfield Grade School. He also attended Danville High School and Illinois Wesleyan University. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1942 through the end of World War II. After the war, he attended Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science, thereafter he owned and operated Blacks Memorial Funeral Home in Arlington Heights, Illinois. He loved Danville and wanting to raise his family there, he returned to Danville in 1961. He recognized the future need for long-term care services and in that same year established, built and operated Colonial Manor Nursing Home. He tirelessly dedicated himself to the needs of his residents by providing quality care for 46 years, continuing to maintain his office and daily presence at Colonial Manor, even after a transfer of ownership to Heritage Enterprises of Bloomington in 1996. He was a loyal and committed supporter of University of Illinois Athletics, having attended countless athletic events with family and friends. In 1989 he was awarded an honorary varsity I by the Athletic Administration of the University of Illinois. He was a great fan and supporter of high school athletics. In recognition of his support of high school basketball throughout the State of Illinois, in 1980 he was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame as a Friend of the Game. He was involved in numerous civic, charitable, service, religious and social organizations in the Danville community, often serving in leadership roles. Among these was the Danville Tennis Club, where he was active in the 1960s and 1970s, securing the expansion and growth of the Club in Lincoln Park. He was a strong supporter of Danville High School Athletics. He served numerous times as president of its Booster Club and often worked behind the scenes assisting economically disadvantaged Danville High School athletes. Throughout his life he enjoyed a good cigar, a beer and visiting with countless friends. He loved his children and took prides in their careers, activities and pursuits. In his later years, he found great pride and joy in his grandchildren. A Celebration of Richards life will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 11, 2008 at Sunsets Community and Life Tribute Center (formerly Lakeside-Barrick Funeral Home) with Drew Mentzer officiating. Visitation will be from 4:30 " 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Tribute Center. Following the service burial will be held in Davis Cemetery, outside of Fairmount. Memorials may be made in Richards name to the donors choice. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.