Kenneth Patrick Black

Age 78, passed away January 13, 2020.  He was born February 15, 1941, in Brooklyn, NY, to John Joseph “Joe” Black and Doris Irene Favier.  After graduating from Bethpage High School, Ken served his country by joining the U.S. Navy in 1964 and was honorably discharged in 1968.  As a Communications Technician, he joined the Michigan Bell Telephone Company which would later become part of AT&T. He was a union steward for the Communication Workers of America “CWA”.  He retired from AT&T in 2003 after 35 years. Ken was a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Lansing and later the University United Methodist Church in East Lansing. Ken was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many.  He was an avid golfer.   

Surviving are:  his wife of 51 years, Marilyn; sons, Kenneth (Lee Ann) Black II and Joseph (Jennifer) Black; 5 grandchildren, Nathan, Kenny III, Allison, Gavin and Tommy; siblings, Arthur (Geraldine) Black, Patricia Robillard, and John J. “Jack” (Elizabeth) Black Jr; brother-in-law, Gerald (Roswitha) Tremaine; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; Goddaughters Sheila Gschwind Black and Jenna McMillan.  He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Gertrude Ruckdeschel, Lawrence “Buddy” Black, Edward Black, and William Black.  

The funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, January 18, 2020, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.  His family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday. Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, or to University United Methodist Church in memory of Kenneth Black.