William E Black

William E. Black of Mt. Ida passed away December 3. He was 98 years of age. Known as Bill by most people he enlisted in the Army in March 1941. He served his country for the next 4 1/2 years winding up in the Army Air Corps as the Radio Operator in a B-17. His crew was shot down twice. The second time Bill and the other survivors were taken prisoner by the Germans where they remained for the next nine months. After being discharged in 1945 Bill came back home and got involved in local politics. He served his county 4 years as County Sheriff, 10 years as County Clerk, and 8 years as County Judge. His passion though was farming. He was happiest when he was working his cattle. He was predeceased by his parents, Ed and Era Forbes Black, His wife Essie Wibel Black, his wife, Leota Faye Black, his sister, Alta Garner, his sister Era Goodner, and his brother, Harold "Sandy" Black. He is survived by two sisters, Druzelle Jenkins and Ola Belle Kostelnik, both of Mt. Ida, by his six sons: Phillip Black, Bill Black, Jimmy John Black, and Alvin Black, all of Mt. Ida, Charles Black of Texarkana, and Matthew Black of Izmir, Turkey. Survivors also include five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 7, 5-7 p.m. at Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida. Funeral Services will be under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home and will be held Thursday, December 8 at 10 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church of Mt. Ida. Burial will be at Stanley-Standridge Cemetery. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com.