David Black

David Wesley Black was born on August 26, 1946, in Henryetta, OK, to Charles and Lois Black. He attended Henryetta schools and spent much time bowling and roller skating, acquiring skills that would impress his children and grandchildren many years later. A local man, Jack Auldridge, became a close father figure for David and that significant relationship endured for Jack’s lifetime. As a teenager, David worked as a bouncer for the Henryetta Roller Rink. It was there that he caught the eye of a young Claudia Carlton. They married on May 25, 1969, in the presence of their families and their close friends, Gary and Schuylene Merryman. The couple soon settled in Springfield, Missouri, where David worked as a dispatcher for Frisco Railroad. In 1972 David and Claudia had a son, Pryce, and then in 1973 a daughter, Kimberlie, was added to the family. The Blacks were active members of Jefferson Avenue Baptist Church and spent lots of time with friends developing deep, lasting relationships. The family enjoyed camping in the Ozarks, traveling on vacations to California, Florida and Arizona, and visiting grandparents, aunts and cousins in Oklahoma. David’s strong work ethic and commitment to excellence was highly valued throughout his career. He held many different positions as his company merged, and the family eventually moved to Memphis, TN, where David worked for Burlington Northern Railway. In 1995, David and Claudia moved again - this time to Keller, TX, where David’s brother, Chuck, and his wife, Mary, lived. They enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with Chuck and Mary as well as David’s sister, Ann, and many marvelous new friends. David continued his career in Fort Worth and retired in 2001 as a Manager of Dispatching Practices and Rules after 35 years of service to BNSF and its predecessors. David and Claudia relocated to Broken Arrow, OK, and began a new chapter in their lives. They joined First Baptist Church Broken Arrow forming meaningful friendships there. Additionally, their lifelong friends Gary and Schuylene lived nearby and were always available for dinner and a game of Sequence. In his spare time, David volunteered with Arms Around BA to help provide meals for people in need. David and Claudia took pleasure in traveling - both to see the United States and to visit friends and family. In May of 2019, David and Claudia celebrated 50 years of marriage. That same month, they had three grandchildren graduate from high school, college, and law school, respectively, and they attended all of those celebrations in addition to a ballet recital for their youngest granddaughter. The family is so grateful that David was with us for those momentous occasions. David will be remembered as a loving, faithful husband, father, and grandfather. As a young man, he committed his life to serving Jesus, and he led his children to make that choice for their lives, also. We thank the Lord for the life of this saint who has gone on before and look forward to our reunion in heaven with him some day. Survived by his wife Claudia Black of the home. Son: Pryce and wife Ashley Black of Keller, TX Daughter: Kimberlie and husband James Carver of Broken Arrow Grandchildren: Austin Black, Madeleine Black, Ainsley Black, and Camille Black Great Granddaughter: Sybyl Black Brother: Chuck and Mary Black of Ft Myers,FL Sister: Ann Burns of Dallas, TX. Visitation will begin at 8:00 am Thursday with family present from 5:00-7:00 pm Celebration of Life Service will be 2:00 pm, Friday, October 16th at the Broken Arrow First Baptist Church. Committal Service will be 10:00 am Friday, Oct 16th, at the Westlawn Cemetery under the direction of the Rogers Funeral Home.

David Black

August 26, 1946 - October 12, 2020