Stephen D. Black, Jr. Obituary (1931 - 2013)

Stephen D. Black, Jr., age 82 of Three Rivers died Monday Sep. 23, 2013 at Three Rivers Health following a long illness. He was born in Three Rivers on June 13, 1931 the only child of the late Stephen D. and Mercedes M. (Heller) Black, Sr. Steve graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1949. He earned a B.S. degree from Western Illinois University in 1953, his M.S. degree in 1956, and an Advanced Administrators Certificate in 1960. Steve served with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during the Korean War. Steve taught school for two years at Yates City, IL. For thirty two years he taught at Morris, IL High School where he also served as Principal for twenty years at Center School. He was a past member of the Grundy County, IL board of Supervisors; the Morris Country Club; the Morris American Legion where he twice served as Commander; Morris Elks Club; Morris Eagles; and Morris United Methodist Church. These memberships were all transferred to Three Rivers, MI when he and his wife relocated to Three Rivers in 1997. Steve was married to Barbara Forneris on Jan. 1, 1955. She survives along with two sons and their wives, Stephen D. (Deronda) Black III of Vicksburg, and Angelo Samuel (Beth) Black of Glen Ellyn, IL; three granddaughters, Madeleine, Ava, and Katherine Black. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has been conducted. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday Sep. 26th at the Eickhoff Farrand Halverson Chapel, 305 Rock River Avenue in Three Rivers. Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Friday Sep. 27, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church in Three Rivers with Rev. Martin Culver officiating. A private interment of ashes will take place in Riverside Cemetery. It is suggested that memorials be directed to either the First United Methodist Church, 215 N. Main St., Three Rivers, MI 49093 or to the Carnegie Center for the Arts, 107 N. Main, Three Rivers, MI 49093. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.efhchapel.com