William Charles “Bill” Black

William Charles Black

November 11, 1938 – May 7, 2025

The tower of strength known as Bill Black lost his health foundation and headed home.

His life experiences included working with his father in Black’s Service garage, then graduating from Oakland City High School in Southern Indiana in 1956. He earned a Business Degree at Indiana University, Bloomington campus, while enjoying membership in Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Tau Delta fraternity, graduating in 1961. Bill served his country in the United States Army Reserves based at Fort Knox from 1962 to 1967. He was employed by General Motors Truck and Bus plant from 1962 to 1992. Bill was Rookie of the Year in 1988 for Hoosier Auto Racing Fans, driving his #57 Midget built by Bob Higman and maintained with the assistance of Jeff Yeager. He built, flew, and instructed Remote Control Aircraft from 1993 to 2020. For several years, he had coffee and breakfast at the café on the corner of Main and Water streets in Monrovia, where folks will miss his smile, humor, and quick assistance.

He was born in Oakland City, Indiana, on November 11, 1938, to the late Ronald and Marie (Duncan) Black. One sister, Mary Frances Black Sloat, also precedes him in death.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter, Anna Marie Black (Chris Martin) and son, Ronald Black. His wife, Jane Heavilin Black brought her sons to his circle: Wayne Murdock, Vincent Murdock, and Christopher Black (Fern Bachman). His sister, Shirley Black Kravas, her children and grandchildren, whom he cherished, survive.

Final arrangements and cremation are entrusted to Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory in Mooresville. The family was comfortably served by Paradigm Hospice Services.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Monrovia Festival Community Building, 50 Walnut Street, Monrovia, Indiana.