Ronald D. Black

WASHINGTON – Ronald D. Black, 75, of Washington, IL died at 8:12 am Saturday, December 18, 2010 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL. Born on January 3, 1935 in Peoria, IL to Walter D. and Jessie Gabriel Black, he married Shirley Rappe on January 18, 1958 at St. John’s in Peoria, IL. She survives. Also surviving are his children, Lori (Daniel) Prater of Washington, IL, Randy Black of Peoria, IL, Greg (Brandi) Black of Monticello, FL, Rhonda (Terry) Larson of Washington, IL, and Paul Huber of Washington, IL. Grandchildren are Tanya and Justin Prater of Washington, IL, Alex Black and Gage Cook of Peoria, IL, Hanna and Justice Black of Monticello, FL and Sydney and Spencer Larson of Washington, IL. Also surviving is his sister, Patsy Hagen of Springfield, IL, and sister-in-law, Betty Carlton of Washington, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Penny Black and Glenda Ulrich, and one brother, Richard Black. Ron was always giving to his community. He spent 20 years volunteering at Northern Tazewell Fire Department and reached the rank of Fire Inspector. He was a current member on the Board of Trustees. He also was a pioneer in organizing and a charter member of the EMT program in the State of Illinois. Ron was a strong patriot who gave 34 years to the United States Navy in defense of our country, achieving the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He served aboard the USS The Sullivans DD537 and at the time of his death was an executive board member of the USS The Sullivans DD537/DDG68 Association. He served in the Korean War and was certified as a Craft Master at Pearl Harbor and forever a Tin Can Sailor. He was also awarded the Navy Commendation Medal. Ron was a firefighting instructor at the Great Lakes in Chicago for reservist. One of his greatest joys in recent years was working with the Tin Can Sailors on his ship, the USS The Sullivans DD537, in Buffalo, New York. He spent 44 years at CILCO in the gas service department working in Peoria, Washington, and Pekin. He was the last serviceman for the City of Peoria’s Steam route. In more recent years, Ron also enjoyed greeting customers at Touch of Homespun in Washington, IL. Ron’s extensive volunteer work included the WTVP – Channel 47 Auction and the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. He was a member of the Crawler’s Inc. Car Club, St. Patrick’s Dartball League, Parkside Walleyball League, and River Valley Sportsman Club. Ron also worked for the Red Cross as a First Aid Instructor. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Father John Menco Council #6707 in Washington. He was also a coach at Northern Tazewell Recreation Association where his children and grandchildren are still involved. One of his greatest loves in life was being able to attend almost every sporting event in which his children and grandchildren participated. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, December 23, 2010 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington with Father Joseph P. Donton officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7 pm on Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington, where a prayer service will be held at 7pm. Additional visitation will be from 9:30-10:00 am Thursday at the church. Cremation rites will be accorded, with his remains being distributed from his ship.

Ronald D. Black

January 3, 1935 - December 18, 2010