James Delbert Black

James Delbert Black, 96, of Poplar Bluff, went to be with his Savior on Sunday, September 25, 2016. He was surrounded during his peaceful passing at his home by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nephew and niece.
Mr. Black was born on his grandfather's farm on Asher Creek, near Chaonia, Mo., April 5, 1920 to Clarence and Pearl Robinson Black. Mr. Black was a faithful member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Butler County and had served as teacher, Sunday school superintendent, treasurer, and deacon. He humbly and willingly took on any responsibility needed in order to serve his beloved home church. Mr. Black was a veteran of World War II, in which he served in the Pacific Theater.
On September 3, 1940, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Ines Lorene Alexander, in Hendrickson, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Black created a peaceful home for their family and celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary several months before she preceded him in death on May 28, 2011.
Mr. Black was the father of two sons, Jerry (Brenda) Black, who preceded him in death, and Jim Black of Miller, Mo. and two daughters, Jean Harget of Conroe, Tx. and Terry (Gary) Temples of Dexter, Mo. He was the grandfather of thirteen grandchildren: Greg (Chris) Dodd, Cheryl Guidry, Misty (Gene) Wagner, Mickey (Leah) Black, Phillip Black, Jarrod (Emily) Black, Quentin Black, Ashley (Matt) Schuerenberg and Jill Temples. Four grandchildren, Steven, Ronald, Connie, and Sharon Harget preceded him in death. He is also survived by seventeen great-grandchildren: Jessica Longhibler, Stacey Waite, Cory and Travis Harget, Christopher and Eric Guidry, Brett and Kaitlynne Wagner, Taylor and Dalton Black, Grace, Nicholas, and Emeilia Black, Eden and Evangeline Black, and Wyatt and Conner Black. Other survivors include the mother of his grandsons, Gail Black, a special nephew Gary (Jane) Black, a special niece Dorothy (Ray) Whitener, several great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, other loved ones, and many friends.
Mr. Black was also preceded in death by his twin brother, Clarence Elbert Black, three sisters, Dorothy Thompson, Floye Willard, Louise Black, four infant siblings, Marvin, Milburn, Betty, and Lois, and his son-in-law, C. J. Harget.
Visitation will take place Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Cotrell Funeral Chapel. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at Mt. Zion Baptist Church on Hwy W in Butler County with the Rev. Robert Edwards and Dr. Gary Black, Jr. officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery.
Cotrell Funeral Service of Poplar Bluff, Mo. is in charge of arrangements.