Kenneth Kyril Black

Kenneth Kyril Black
June 2, 1958 – November 2, 2025
Kenneth "Ken" Kyril Black left this world at dawn on November 2, 2025, with the love of his life and best friend, Kathleen Black, by his side.
Ken was born on June 2, 1958, in Jackson, Michigan, to William Mackie Black and Sheila Maxine Brown. He is survived by his four siblings, COL. William "Bill" Mackie Black Jr. and family, Deana Brownlow and family, CWO5 Darrell Black and family, and Darla Bloom and family. He is also survived by the love of his life, Kathleen (Hough) Black; three children, Katrina Hoyt (Brian), Kalvin HoughBlack (Kalyn), and Kelsie Simmon (CPT Craig Simmon).
Ken was the proud "Boppy" of 9¾ grandchildren: Heaven Letts, McKenna Hoyt, Aubrie Hoyt, William Hoyt, Olivia Hoyt, Payton HoughBlack, Addison HoughBlack, Hudson Simmon, and Evelyn Simmon; with grandchild number 10 expected in December. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter McKenna Hoyt, his loving parents, his bonus father, Richard Whidden, and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and faithful dogs.
Ken grew up in Woodbury, Michigan, and attended Lakewood High School, where he earned one of his many nicknames "Bunny" and met the love of his life, Kathleen. After graduating in 1976, he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Hawaii. Not long after, he and Kathleen married and went on to share over 40 years of marriage, three children, and a lifetime of laughter and friendship.
A natural salesman, Ken's career took off in the tech world. He was even named Salesman of the Year for Apple Computer (yes, that Apple). His entrepreneurial spirit led him to start multiple computer sales businesses before eventually managing the family's Four Seasons Gift Shop in Grand Ledge.
Ken was an original member of the group that founded the Grand Ledge St. Patrick's Day Parade and proudly volunteered with the Grand Ledge American Legion Cole-Briggs Post 48. In recent years, many came to know him behind the deli counter at Meijer in Grand Ledge, where his charm and quick wit continued to brighten days.
In 2019, Ken was diagnosed with early-stage dementia, and in the years that followed, he faced Alzheimer's disease with the same humor, courage, and stubbornness that defined him. His family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Sensations Memory Care in Charlotte, who provided exceptional and compassionate care in his final months.
Ken's good nature and playful personality were unmatched, and he had an incredible gift for connecting with everyone he met. His humor, warmth, and deep love for his friends and family will be remembered and deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.
Funeral Services
Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 13, from 4:00–7:00 PM, and funeral services will take place on Friday, November 14, at 11:00 AM at Sunfield United Brethren Church.
A luncheon for friends and loved ones will follow the service at the Grand Ledge American Legion Cole-Briggs Post 48, located at 731 N. Clinton Street, Grand Ledge, MI 48837.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Legion Cole-Briggs Post 48 in Grand Ledge, in honor of Ken's lifelong commitment to community and service.
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