Bill Black

Bill (known to many as “Blackie”) was born in Oklahoma City on July 21, 1930, to Landis and Ruth Black. He enlisted in the Navy as a young man, later becoming an officer. Bill served on both the USS Wasp and USS Morton, and was a proud and patriotic sailor. After leaving the service, he lived in Northern California for many years. However, he always dreamed of someday having some land in the Ozarks. His dream came true when, 11 years ago, he moved to a beautiful property in Bolivar, Missouri. When asked how he found Bolivar, he would reply that actually Bolivar found him. Bill enjoyed life and had many interests. He loved working in his workshop, and could build anything. He loved working in his yard or on his property, and always made everything look beautiful. He would always rather “play outside” than be in the house. And he loved feeding all of the squirrels, birds, turkeys, deer and other critters out in his park-like backyard. Bill enjoyed traveling -- trips to the Holy Land, Russia and Thailand were highlights -- and he loved going to Hawaii. He also loved researching his genealogy, and has accumulated the names of thousands of ancestors, going back to the 1500’s. Bill loved his family and loved his church – but most of all, he loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He greatly impacted so many people, and will be sorely missed. Bill is survived by his Wife, Alanna, of Bolivar; Children Sherri (Black) Emitte (husband Mike), Brenda Black, Rick Black, and Robert Black (wife Jennifer), all of Oklahoma City; and his amazing neighbor who was like a son, James Taylor (wife Debbie), of Bolivar; Brother, Ken Black (wife Shirley) of Bolivar, and Sister Helen Strickland of Whitesboro TX; 9 Grandchildren: Scott Olson (wife Meredith), Matt Olson, Brian Fink (wife Tonia), Keli (Fink) Percy (husband Clyde), Daniel Fink (wife Lisa), Rachel (Black) Rutherford (husband Travis), Elijah Black, Ryan Novak (wife Courtney), and Hallie Black; 10 Great Grandchildren (and 2 on the way); and several loving nieces and nephews. Services for Bill will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, April 27, 2017 at the Brighton Highway Assembly of God Church. A visitation will be held Wednesday, April 26, 2017 from 5-7 PM at the Butler Funeral Home, Bolivar, MO. Burial will take place in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, MO If you would like to share any memories of Bill, or what he meant to you, please send them to blackiejul30apr17@gmail.com, where they will be published on a special website. And, if you wish, contributions in his memory may be made to the “Bill Black Memorial Fund” at Brighton Highway Assembly of God, 5403 Highway F, Brighton MO 65617. Services under the care and direction of the Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar.

Bill Black

July 21, 1930 - April 19, 2017