| Charles Kenneth Black died unexpectedly Friday, March 14 as he was leaving his garden.
Kenneth was born at Baldwin, WV on February 26, 1919, the third son of Orpha Messenger and Charlie Black. His parents and five brothers, Glennn, Deward, Russ, Bill and Lynn preceded him in death as did his beloved Springer Spaniel, Max.
He is survived by his sister, Joy Rhoades, Akron, OH; his wife, Mary Susan of Stouts Mills, WV and son, David Kenneth and wife Dana of Pittsburgh, PA.
Kenneth attended the two-room school at Baldwin and the Oak Grove United Brethren Church. He graduated from Sand Fork High School. For a time he served in the Civilian Conservation Corps mostly at Cooper's Rock. He joined the Army Air Force at the outset of World War II and was stationed during the war with the Eighth Air Force at Bassingbourn, England. Kenneth was a member of the 91st Bomb Group, 323rd Squadron. Famously known as the 'Ragged Irregulars' the 91st flew countless critical missions, most notably during D-Day.
Returning from the war, he graduated from mechanics school at the Nashville Auto Diesel College in Nashville, TN.
Back home he worked on the pipeline and as a welder in central West Virginia and as a mechanic at the Chevrolet garage. He retired as a well-known parts man at Rastle's Auto.
For several years he kept cattle on the family farm, gardened, enjoyed his membership in Gilmer County Masonic Lodge #118-where he earned his fifty -year pin and was an avid follower of WVU football and basketball. At 95 he had lived a good life.
Friends may call from 5:00-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 18 at the Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., Glenville. Services will follow at 11:00 a.m., March 19th at the Mortuary with Pastor Bryan Groves officiating. Burial will follow in the Stalnaker Cemetery, Glenville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Gilmer Senior Center, 720 N Lewis St., Glenville, WV 26351.
Ellyson Mortuary, Inc. is assisting the family of Charles Kenneth Black with arrangements.
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