Harold Black

obt_black

Harold Black, 77, of Pensacola, Florida, formerly of Cincinnati passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at the West Florida Hospital in Pensacola. He was born near Pleasant in Switzerland County on January 8, 1937 the son of Ernst and Margaret Harper Black. He was married to Judith Lester on August 23, 1958 and his wife of 57 years survives. Other survivors include one son Jeffery (Lori) Black of Cadiz, Kentucky; two daughters Debra (John) Weale of Columbus, Ohio, and Teresa (Mike) Varner of Pensacola; five grandchildren; four brothers Dilver Thayer of Lake City, Florida, David (Rita) Black of Cincinnati, Richard (Mary) Black of Cross Plains, and Roger (Terry) Black of Ft. Wayne; two sisters Phyllis (Harold) Taylor of Cincinnati, and Marilyn (Jerry) Wisher of Covington, Kentucky. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Black was a 1957 graduate of Cross Plains High School and a 1962 graduate of Ball State University where received his BS degree in education. He was a 10 year veteran of the US Air Force during the Vietnam Era where he rose to the rank of Captain. During his stay in the Air Force he was stationed in Enid, Oklahoma, Amarillo, Texas, the United Kingdom, Salt Lake City, and San Francisco. For his service Harold received the National Defense Service Medal, USAF Outstanding Unit Award, and the USAF Longevity Service Award. In civilian life Harold worked for 25 years as a supervisor for Avon Manufacturing in Springdale, Ohio. He also worked as a purchasing manager for Cincinnati Machine Tool Services from 1996 to 2001 and from 2008 to 2009 worked for the Kentucky State Park Service as a camp ground director. He retired from Merchant Security in 2013. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 15 at 1pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Pastor Jerry Brooks of the Benham United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Benham Cemetery with military graveside services by the Versailles American Legion. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 11am until time of services.Memorials may be given to the Versailles American Legion in care of the funeral home.