Warren R. Black's Obituary
Mr. Warren Richard Black, age 88, passed away Wednesday afternoon, June 13, 2012 after a lengthy illness. He was born on April 10, 1924 in Rockford, IL to George and Edith (Smith) Black. He met Carolyn Anne Bennorth at First Methodist Church in Evanston, IL while attending Northwestern University and on November 6, 1945 he married her in Elgin, IL. They would later live in Beaumont, TX, Arlington Heights, IL, East Grand Rapids, MI and then Norton Shores, MI. The Blacks were married for 64 years.
Warren was a graduate of the Engineering School at Northwestern University and served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Naval Reserve. His work often involved Research and Development of innovative new products for Illinois Tool Works, American Seating, E.H. Sheldon, and Clarke Floor Machine. His name appears on 20 patents including some of the first motorized hospital beds, floor machines and automated vending machine supplies. He also spent several years as Director of Engineering for Hackley Hospital and then became a consulting engineer for Rhodes Engineering of Norton Shores.
Warren was a great husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his children Kathryn (David) Smith of South Lyon, MI, David (Bonnie) Black of Martinez, GA, Carleton (Barbara) Black of Ravenna, MI, and Lowell (Jodie) Black of Chesterton, IN; eight grandchildren and seventeen great- grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Mary Black of Rockford, IL and by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Carolyn and his brother Robert.
Warren was involved in multiple civic activities throughout his life having been a past President of Habitat for Humanity, past President of Norton Shores Kiwanis Club, member of Torch Club, Chair of Mona Shores Citizens Committee, involved in multiple church committees, and instrumental in starting Sacred Suds.
Visitation will be held from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm on Sunday, June 17, 2012 at Central United Methodist Church, 1011 Second Street, Muskegon. The memorial service will be held at 2:30 pm at Central United Methodist Church, Rev. Diane Gordon officiating. Memorial contributions are requested in lieu of flowers to: Upper Room Emmaus Ministry and Hospice of North Ottawa.
Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc., 6291 Harvey Street, Norton Shores, MI 49444, 231-798-1100.
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