William Martin Black

Dr. William (Bill) Martin Black, 75, of Anthem, Arizona, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025 after a brief battle with cancer. Born in Des Moines, Iowa on December 16, 1950, to the late Barbara and Robert Black, Bill graduated from Dowling High School in 1969. He then enrolled at Iowa State University, where he was part of the wrestling team and participated in various clubs and intramural sports before graduating in 1973. Driven by his love of education, Bill continued his studies at the University of Illinois where he pursued his PhD in Plant Pathology, which he ultimately achieved in the Spring of 1977.
Armed with a top tier education, the drive of a Cyclone, and his characteristic charm and humor, Bill excelled in business with a career that took him to Illinois, Georgia, Ohio, and Canada as an employee and eventual owner of ChemLawn. He completed his working years as the owner of the Phoenix branch of California Closets.
As his tenacious work ethic could not be slowed by either of his two retirements, Bill continued to work in the community in various volunteer roles. An active Rotarian, and one time president, he loved to get out, be involved in the community, meet new people, and most of all, spread cheer through his constant stream of charm and humor. Bill also served in a leadership role for the Anthem-area Chamber of Commerce and spent hours volunteering with the local Boys and Girls club.
Bill was passionate about travel, which took him throughout the world and to every one of the 50 States - A personal goal he was able to achieve with his recent adventure to Alaska. As an avid reader and lover of history, airplanes, biographies, and sports stories, he leaves behind a collection of non-fiction literature that paints a portrait of a true lover of knowledge. His admiration for athletics and exercise was a constant pilar of his life, which can be seen in the wonderful relationships he built participating in a lifetime of recreational baseball, soccer, cross country, mushball, and golf. Bill did not discriminate when it came to sports and enjoyed any good competition. He loved sharing experiences with whoever would listen, whether it be a friend from his regular happy hour crew or a stranger on a barstool. He took care of himself as a daily fixture at the local gym and took pride in the hundreds of miles he explored on his bike.
Bill will be remembered as a joyous example of what a life of simplicity, kindness, and hard work can bring us; A beautiful life of numerous successes shared with an innumerable amount of friends, whom will all remember the happiness that radiated from him.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Karen Borgerding Black, and their children Rebecca (Chris), Matthew, Robert (Parvin), Katie (Jared), and Richard, his two grandchildren, Violet and Liam, and a vast number of extended family members and close friends.