Elmer Black, 93

Elmer R. Black, 93, of Three Rivers, passed away on Monday, Dec. 30, 2013. Elmer was born in Sturgis, Michigan on January 24, 1918 the son of Clarence W. and Helen (Sherer) Black, Sr. In 1924 the family moved to Moorepark to reside on the Joseph Wilbur farm, later known as the Plantation.

Elmer attended the one room school in Moorepark and then graduated from Three Rivers Area High School with the class of 1935. He served honorably in the U.S. Army during World War II.

On September 12, 1943 he was united in marriage to Joyce Fisher at Centre Park United Methodist parsonage. They enjoyed 54 years of marriage upon her passing in 1997. They were long time members of Centre Park Church, where Elmer was a certified lay speaker for over 30 years. They enjoyed making many trips to Shipshewana with their daughter Nancy in search of antiques.

Elmer was employed for Fairbanks Morse Co, Three Rivers Brass and Aluminum Foundry, and also with the Johnson Corporation where he retired in 1982. He was an active member and ambassador of the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce. Over the years he has received a number of awards. In 2005 Elmer was named Ambassador of the Year. He was also active in the Three Rivers Lions Club where in 1996-1996 he was their Lions Club Citizen of the Year. He also received awards for his community service from state representative, Glenn Oxender, state senators, Harry Gast and Dale Shugars, U.S. representative, Fred Upton, U.S. Senator, Carl Levin, and Governor John Engler as well as an award from the Michigan Townships Association.

In 1995 Elmer was honored by Park Township for over 50 years of service. He served as constable, treasurer, trustee, and Board of Review member. He also for over 20 years served as the township supervisor and assessor. He attended Glen Oaks Community College graduating as a certified assessor. Elmer also served as chairman of the Lockport, Fabius, and Park Township’s fire board.

Elmer loved all sports, played baseball and softball and also was an avid golfer. He also loved to watch auto racing and bowled in the Classic league many years ago.

Elmer and his son Richard enjoyed fishing, making many trips to Canada, and deer hunting on the family farm. Richard, Nancy, and their families have taken care of their Dad in so many ways they are too numerous to mention.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Smiley.

Elmer leaves to cherish his loving memory, daughter, Nancy(Ed)Welch of Cape Coral, FL; son Richard(Jackie)Black, of Three Rivers; granddaughters, Shelly Welch of Orlando, Fl, Laesha (Gary)Yerden of Three Rivers, Tatum (Aaron) Vroma, and Erin (Gabriel) Marshall, of Three Rivers; great-grandchildren, Landon, Pierce, and Niles Vroma and Emma Marshall; brother, Dennis Black, of Three Rivers and special friend, Barbara Stevens of Three Rivers.

Upon Elmer’s request cremation has taken place.

The family would like to invite friends to celebrate the life of Elmer Black from 3-7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014 at the Hohner Funeral Home for a time of fellowship and fond memories.

Memorials may be donated to the Center Park United Methodist Church or to Heartland Hospice of Kalamazoo. Envelopes available at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.hohnerfh.com.