Robert Gene Black

Robert Gene Black, age 86, of Marion, passed away on Monday, November 11th, 2025, at Marion Valley Post Acute.

Born on May 30th, 1939 in Marion, Ohio on Milburn Ave. Robert, always known simply as “Bob;” was a graduate of Marion Harding High School, class of 1957. He went to school to be a draftsman, and was then hired by Marion Power Shovel. In the 1960’s, he was a partner in drawing the crawler for NASA. When Dresser took over MPS, Bob went to work for Fairfield Engineering in Fostoria. Before retiring, he worked for Meijer for a few years.

On Christmas Eve 1959, he married the love of his life Marlene Black; together they shared 65 years of marriage. Bob & Marlene’s greatest joy was being grandparents to their many grandchildren. Bob’s favorite pastime was drawing. He could look at any cartoon character and draw it freehand. He loved handing them out to any and everyone, it was like giving a piece of his love away.

He is survived by one daughter Kourtney Black; grandchildren, Alexus Burns, Malakai Black, and Rae’Shaun Bonney; all of Marion, Ohio. As well as David (Dominique) Whetstone, Jeremy Whetstone, and Nicolas Whetstone (all of Fort Wayne, Indiana). His great-grandchildren, Juliana, Zuri, Sam, David, & Amelia.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife Marlene; a sister who passed in infancy, and his daughter Kay (David) Whetstone.

The family will have a Celebration of Life on Wednesday, December 17th at 2pm, in the Internet cafe at Marion Valley Post Acute, 400 Barks Rd W. Marion, Ohio 43302. A special thank you to MVPA & Affordable Cremation Services, for their exceptional care and compassion during this difficult time.