Edward Black
Alton |
Edward Miller Black Jr., 89, passed away at 2:45 p.m. Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL.
Edward was born on January 29,1935 in Alton, Illinois to Edward Miller and Nellie Bly (Hamilton) Black, Sr.
Edward married Patricia L. Cope on September 12, 1958, in Hartford, IL. She survives.
He earned his associate’s degree at Ranken Technical College. “Ed” worked as a negative engraver for Defense Mapping Agency Aerospace Center (DMAAC). He worked on maps for several of DMAAC’s projects: Gemini, Mercury, Apollo, and the Space Shuttle. His girls loved being able to take his maps to school for show and tell.
After his retirement, he worked at various local hardware stores, such as Central Hardware and Handy Andy, and was referred to as “Mr. Tinker” because he knew at least a little bit about everything because of all his DIY projects he had done since he was a young boy.
He was a former member of College Avenue Presbyterian Church. He volunteered for the Alton Volunteer Emergency Corps and was a certified EMT. He was very active with ABOB (Alton Band and Orchestra Builders) and helped with many school functions throughout Alton while his daughters were in school. He especially enjoyed attending band and orchestra concerts, seeing the Marching 100, and also the Black Knight Drum and Bugle Corps. He assisted with several events held on the Great River Road.
During his “free” time, he enjoyed target shooting, gardening at his farm, woodworking, and working on cars. His grandkids remember he always worked hard no matter what he was doing, and even though most of the time he was in pain because of his knees. He could always be found helping someone with almost anything. If he heard of a need, he was there to help. He donated many hours and expertise to his son-in-law’s churches over the years. He was a faithful caregiver for his parents and his sister in their later years. Wherever he went, he always had a stash of Kleenex and dog biscuits in his pants pocket, just in case.
His favorite past time was spending time with his grandkids at various music and sports events, where he was affectionately known as "Grandpa” to everyone because he always brought snacks and Gatorade for everyone. After creating many things by hand, Ed took computer classes at LCCC and purchased computer equipment to create the printed materials and coordinated his 50th class reunion for Alton High School (class of 1952).
Ed was known in several restaurants in the community that he frequented often, including the East Alton McDonald’s (where they called him Grandpa, because he was always wearing one of his grandpa shirts), and the Round Table in Godfrey, where he loved having ham and beans with cornbread on Mondays, and beef barley soup on Tuesdays. During his many recent hospital stays, he loved to joke with the nurses and make them think he didn’t understand them to see how they would respond. He would tell them to call him “Mr. Ed” to see if they understood his reference of the old tv show. He had a witty and dry sense of humor that he shared with everyone.
Edward is survived by his wife of 66 years, Patricia; daughters, Kathi (Doug) Hawkins of Campbellsville, KY, Jennifer (Glenn) Semore of Wentzville, MO, Becky (Steve) Pace of Jerseyville, IL, Debbie Sandhe of St. Peters, MO, Lisa (Marga) Thomas of Carbondale, IL.; grandchildren, Paul (Chloe) Semore, Heather (Garrett Mooney) Semore, Troy (Brooke) Black Pace, Alyssa (Steven) Sarosy, T.J. Pace, Renae Pace, Richard (Leasia) Swink, and Ajay Sandhe; great-grandchildren, Carina, Vivian, and Oliver Semore, Shiloh Pace, Emmett and Elliett Sarosy, and Veronica and Evander Swink, along with many friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister and brother-in-law Mary Lou (Fred) Paris. Edward passed 23 years to the day of his father’s passing.
Visitation will be Monday, February 3, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m., at Christway Church in Godfrey IL, with Funeral Services beginning at 6 p.m.
Burial will take place on a future date.
Memorials are suggested to Christway Church for missions.
Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home