Thomas Black
Thomas W. Black, 83, was called to the Lord 4:45 a.m., Sunday morning, May 13, 2018 at Luther Oaks with loving family by his side.
Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, May 17 at St. Patrick Church of Merna, Bloomington with Monsignor Gerald T. Ward and Rev. Jeremy Freehill officiating. All are invited to lunch at the church, after the service. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. Thursday at the church. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tom was born on April 7, 1935 in Iowa City, Iowa. He married Mary Katherine Freehill on Jan. 2, 1960 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Mary Kay; his children, Greg (June) Black, Mike (Robin) Black, Doug (Barb) Black, and Kathy (Ken) Heaning; as well as his grandchildren, Thomas Shane (Edita) Black, Meghann Black (fiance’ Dan), Karen (Tanner) Temby, Kylie Black, Jordan Black and Austin Black. He is also survived by his brother Edmund (Babbette) Black and sister Doris Cannon, six sisters-in-law, three brothers-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his precious infant grandson, Ryan Andrew Black; his parents Francis and Ann (Sullivan) Black; three brothers; Cyril, Robert and Harold; and three brothers-in-law & two sisters-in-law.
Tom served in the Army Reserves after graduating from the University of Iowa, before joining State Farm Insurance Cos. in 1958. He worked 39 years for State Farm, retiring in 1997 as the Director of Automobile Underwriting.
Tom’s life included many and varied interests, but most important to him was his faith and his family. He was a loving, devoted husband, father and grandfather. He always lit up when his “bride” entered the room and took great pride and joy in all of his children and grandchildren. Although he was a man of few words, his words were always kind… and usually hilarious! His family loved him immensely and laughed often due to his humor. He will be dearly missed.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the National Parkinson’s Foundation, St. Patrick Church of Merna or the charity of your choice.
Go Hawkeyes! Go Packers! Go Cardinals! Go Celtics!
To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
