Donald Clede Black, Sr. passed away January 5, 2013 at the age of 88 in Woodville, Texas. Donald Clede Black, Sr was born in East St. Louis, Ill but spent most of his life growing up and living on the Texas Gulf Coast. He attended Beaumont High School and served in the United States Army during WWII. After the war, he attended Lamar Junior College where he played tight end for the college football team. He obtained a vocational teaching certificate from Purdue University and was coordinator for the apprentice school for Pipefitters Local #195. From 1973 to 1999 he owned and operated the only lumberyard at the beach. He was a well-known resident of Crystal Beach, Texas where he lived with his wife, Billie. He was active in the Eagles and had served numerous terms as president of the Crystal Beach Aerie. He was elected president and served several terms on the Crystal Beach water board. He is preceded in death by his wife, Billie Jean Kerr Black and two step-children, Carey Kerr and Neil Buddy Kerr. He is survived by his son, Don C. Black, Jr. and his wife, Judy Strickland Black of Valley Center, CA; daughter, Beth Black of Beaumont, Tx; grandchildren, Brandon Black and Danielle Black of Friendswood, Ryan Tevis of Plano, Scott Tevis of Beaumont and Clark Tevis of Laredo; great grandchildren, Taylor, Baylor and Tyler Tevis of Beaumont and Reagan and Blake Tevis of Plano. He loved his faithful labrador retriever, Brutus, classic country music, dominos, deep sea fishing and life at the beach prior to Hurrican Ike.
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Grandpa Don. Goodbye for now. We miss you so much. I want to thank you for excepting me for what i am. Your Grandson. I did't get to know you for the first half of my life, but catching up for lost time we definatly did. Its differant not having you around. I will never watch another episode of gunsmoke or watch another cowboy game without thinking of my one of my best friends, Thanks for the memories. See you soon, Your Grandson Mark "Black" Richardson.
Mark black
January 28, 2013
Uncle Don we spent a lot of time together these last few years. In a way it was like getting a little piece of my Dad back. We would talk about Jack and Jerry's fishing stories and laugh. I loved the times we went out on the boat together. Well except for the time you bought that great boat that you could pilot from inside the cabin or on the upper deck. You couldn't get the trim set right and we cruised the intercoastal canal with the boat leaning on it's side! My Dad was on that trip too and it made one of the great fishing stories that we would share. I will miss you Don.
Gary Black
January 25, 2013
Did not get to see you Don but you were in my prayers.
You were and still are loved yesterday, tomorrow, always.
Sherry Black
January 25, 2013
Our heartfelt condolences to Donny and Beth. Your Dad will be missed. We will always remember the trips to the beach and the good times we had.
Cindy & Milton Danna
January 24, 2013
Don I know your in Heaven with Grandma, Grandpa, Jack, Jerry, Buddy, Norma and Elvira. I can only imagine your glorious reunion. I wish I could have said goodby. I will see you all again one day until then sending you my love. P.S. I never got the chance to read the book you wrote. Hope someone sends me a copy.
Cindy Black
January 24, 2013
One of the greatest men I have ever known. Thank you for all your help and advise. I will miss deeply.
Bryan Handley
January 12, 2013
'Beth, take comfort in knowing that your dad is in a much better place, free of pain. He was a sweet man, a caring individual. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.'
Terry Nail
January 11, 2013
Mr.Black was always there for advice and guidance. He will be greatly missed. Mike Tomplait--Training Coordinator--Pipefitters Local 195
January 11, 2013
I new Don at a very young age. My Dad was Don Garner and they were very good friends in their younger days. All of my memories of him are good ones. I remember him from Purdue, Virginia and from Crystal Beach. May God comfort you during this time of loss. Colleen Garner Smith
Colleen Garner-Smith
January 11, 2013
Always admired and respected this very good man. Kyle Haines
January 11, 2013
Mr. Black, may you rest in the hands of God and eternal peace...I know you were loved by many, especially you family and will always be remembered.
Darlene Verde
January 11, 2013
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