(June 5, 2003)
Robert Merle Black, formerly of Powell, died Thursday, June 5 in Billings. He was 66.
Bob was born on Oct. 22, 1936 in Seattle, Wash., the son of Jack Black and Barbara Pratt.
He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education at Montana State University, Billings (formerly Eastern Montana College). During his college years, he traveled to Spain as an exchange student and studied Spanish and taught English.
He married Nancy Mollet (now Nancy Grant) of Cody on Nov. 1, 1966 in Billings. They were married 25 years before divorcing. The couple served in the Peace Corps in Mexico shortly after they were married.
Bob owned R&S Construction in Casper and Powell, sharing his talent at decorating and remodeling homes.
Bob was a member of the Roman Catholic Church and loved reading, music and gardening. He participated in many bowling, golfing and bridge clubs as well.
He will be remembered as a devoted family man and Christian.
He is survived by his mother, Barbara Black of Billings; son Tyler (Keli) Black of Powell; daughters Chantel (Scott) Wiles of Ruskin, Fla., and Karina Black of Los Angeles, Calif.; sister Pam (Fred) Scott of Billings; grandchildren Morgan Wiles and Zak Black; nieces and nephews Tarey and Tanya Mayn, Jay Lieveke and Dione Scott, and Tawnia West.
He was preceded in death by sons Weston and Justin; sister Jackie Holeman; and his father Jack.
Graveside services were held Monday, June 9, at Crown Hill Cemetery in Powell, with Father Peter Johnson of St. Barbara's Church officiating.
Memorials would be appreciated by the family and may be sent to Horizon Hospice Home, PO Box 35033, Billings, MT 59107.