Memorial services for Thomas K. Black, 87, of Mesa, AZ, longtime resident of Jefferson, IA, will be 11:00am Saturday July 31, 2010 at Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home in Jefferson, Iowa. Interment will be in the Jefferson Cemetery. After the service, family and friends will gather at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall for a luncheon and time of visitation and fellowship.
Thomas K. Black passed away at his residence in Mesa, AZ, on May 19, 2010, after a lengthy illness. T.K., also known as Tom, was born March 13, 1923, in Jefferson, IA, to Dr. John R. Black and Mary Doris Black. As a youngster, Tom had an entrepreneurial spirit, running a magazine subscription delivery service in his home town and employing other boys, while also wearing out the tires of his own bicycle. Tom graduated from Jefferson Community High School in 1940, and then enrolled and graduated from Kemper Military College, in Boonville, MO. Like many young men of his generation, Tom entered the Army and served in Europe with the Seventh Army, 69th Infantry Division, 273rd Regiment, 1st Battalion, D Company, as an infantryman specializing in heavy weapons and as a jeep driver. Tom took great pride in his military service and maintained relationships with fellow veterans through personal visits and conventions as long as he was able to travel.
After completing his military service, Tom completed his college education, receiving a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from the University of Missouri in 1948. Tom was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, where he made numerous life-long friends. Upon completing his education, Tom began farming on the family farm north of Jefferson. On November 19, 1949, Tom married his wife of 50 years, Leola Alice Ferguson, and they raised two sons, Thomas K. Black III, and Robert F. Black. In addition to a successful farming career spanning more than 40 years, Tom was a Mason, a member of the Jefferson Community School Board and the Greene County School Board for many years, and a member of the West Central Farmers Cooperative board of directors for over 18 years.
Tom was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Jefferson. He was a life-long contributor to Blood Banks in Greene County, IA and in Mesa, AZ. His total contributions far exceeded 20 gallons of life-giving blood. Tom was well known and well-regarded through his many activities in Jefferson, and is remembered for his sense of humor and outgoing good nature.
Tom was preceded in death by his wife Leola, in 2000. He is survived by son Dr. Thomas K. Black III of Pinckney, MI, daughter-in-law Dr. Marsha Ackermann, grandson John of New Orleans, LA, and granddaughter Katherine of Jersey City, NJ. He is survived by son Robert F. Black, of Katy, TX, daughter-in-law Gaye Black, granddaughter Mary of Katy, TX, and grandson Jeffrey, also of Katy, TX. Tom’s older sister Ruth Lyon resides in Jacksonville, FL, and his younger sister, Louise Jadel, resides in Evanston, IL. Tom is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces who adored their uncle. Tom’s second wife, Marie Black, also survives him, and will continue to reside in Mesa, AZ.
