L. Thomas Black Jr. “BLACKIE” 90, of Bowling Green, Ohio passed away October 2, 2020. He was born November 7, 1929 in Mount Clemens, Michigan to the late Louis T. and Mary (Crittenden) Black.
Tom graduated from Mount Clemens High School. He attended Michigan State Normal College which is now Eastern Michigan University. He went on to obtain his Master’s Degree from Bowling Green State University. Tom was a true competitor and while in high school and college and through life he excelled as an athlete. He boxed, played football, basketball, baseball, softball, tennis, ran track, danced and played drums in the high school band and beyond. He was a life guard at Mt. Clemens municipal beach. He was a member of the Arm of Honor Athletic Fraternity while in college.
He served his country proudly in the United States Army 82nd Airborne during the Korean War.
Tom taught and coached at Westwood Middle School in Milton Center when he first came to Bowling Green in the 50’s then he went on to teaching Biology at Elmwood High School from fall of 1959 until his retirement in spring of 1987. While teaching at Elmwood, he also coached football, basketball and track. He spent many summers coaching woman’s softball for Bowling Green Parks and Rec. He enjoyed spending time bowling, golfing, and playing fast pitch softball for The Knights of Pythias.
In the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, Tom also owned and operated BG Athletics store in downtown Bowling Green. He was a member of the VFW and the NRA. He was an avid poetry writer, with several of his pieces being published. He was a crossword puzzle expert. He was a man who loved to make others laugh and always had a joke or two to tell. He loved sharing his wisdom to others and helping others. He was a mentor to so many. He had a great appreciation for wildlife and music listening to jazz and big band music. He gave the best hugs and advice when it came to life. There was always something to learn in every conversation from him. He loved life and lived it well. He chose to make an impact on everyone he came in contact with leaving them smiling or thinking. He was greatly loved by all who knew him. Most of all he loved his family and all his friends and granddogs.
Tom is survived by his children Greg (Janet) Black of Bristol, Virginia, Doug (Connie) Black of Bowling Green, Ohio, Steve Black of Bowling Green, Ohio and Penny Brooks of Bowling Green, Ohio, grandchildren Andrew L. (Jenny) Vroman of Dublin, Ohio and Matthew C. (Christy) Vroman of Bowling Green, Ohio and great-grandson Chase Matthew Vroman of Bowling Green, Ohio. He is also survived by his “step-grandchildren” Angela Brooks of Walbridge, Ohio and Lorren M. Ketner (gf.Shelby) of Bowling Green, Ohio, nephews Critt (Rhonda) Black of Lexington, Kentucky, Jeff Black of Lexington, Kentucky, Todd (Jennifer) Black of Lousiville, Kentucky and Kevin (Tammy) Black of Lexington, Kentucky and great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert C. Black and infant brother William H. Black.
A celebration of Tom’s life is being planned at this time and will be announced soon.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Dunn Funeral Home, located in the Historical District of Bowling Green at 408 West Wooster St.
Memorial contributions may be given in his memory to the Elmwood Schools Foundation.
