Carrol J. Black

A neighbor perfectly captured the life of Carrol Black when they recently left a chalk-written tribute on his driveway that said, “In honor of a great man who loved God, country, and family.”

Carrol Jesse Black, 87, of Maryland Heights, Missouri, peacefully passed away on September 11, 2024. Carrol was born on August 13, 1937, to Jess and Catherine Black amidst the Great Depression era in the small town of Belleview, Missouri. He was the baby of his family that included oldest sister Ruth, older brother Floyd, and sister Jessie who died as an infant.

Carrol graduated from Ironton High School in 1955 where he played clarinet in the band. Within nine months of graduation, he started working at McDonnell Douglas in 1956. He devoted his entire professional career there until he retired from Boeing after 48 years of service.

Answering the call to duty, Carrol served his nation in the US Army from 1960-1966 in its signal corps, being stationed for a time in South Korea where he was part of the headquarters’ communications staff with top-secret clearance and participated in NATO military exercises. He remained a patriot throughout his life and actively served as part of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He will be remembered for lining his street with flags for every holiday.

He met the love of his life, Lorene Mans, in his hometown. They began dating when he returned home from active duty in the army. They married on February 23, 1963, and built a beautiful life together over the next 61 years. Together they strongly led a wonderful family and enriched the lives of countless people.

As the son of a skilled carpenter, Carrol inherited his father’s talents, creativity, and strong work ethic. His craftsmanship found around their home will be enjoyed by many for years to come. He could fix almost anything and was never afraid to take on a challenge. Family and neighbors fondly remember him regularly repairing cars in the driveway, taking care of the yard, and working on some project in his spare time.

The defining pillar of Carrol’s strong character was his faith in Jesus Christ. He surrendered his life to Christ as a young boy in his little hometown church and his faith only grew stronger throughout his life’s journey. His life was a testament of God’s faithfulness and goodness. Carrol lived a life of sincerity, humility, and generosity. He served faithfully in church, from cleaning, driving buses, teaching, leading young men, being a deacon, and participating in service outreaches. He gave generously to help others and share God’s Good News around the world. Even near the end, he continually prayed over his family and praised his God.

Carrol was preceded in death by his parents Jess and Catherine Black and siblings Ruth (Black) Martnick, Floyd Black, and Jessie Black. He lives on in the cherished memories of his loving family including wife Lorene Black; sons Todd Black and Grant Black; daughter-in-law Lynette Black; grandchildren Grant, Caroline, Clayton, Priscilla, Nathaniel, Abigail, and Bradley; and a host of wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins, and many precious friends.

Memorial donations in Carrol’s honor may be made to the American Bible Society (Give.Bibles/GoodNews) and the American Cancer Society (cancer.org).