Richard Allen Black, Sr.
Richard Allen Black, Sr. of High Island, Texas passed away Tuesday, January 30, 2007. He was born May 7, 1918, in Jennings, Louisiana to Sidney R. Black Sr. and Lena Boas Black. Richard was one of five siblings, including Edmee Speir, Bernice Purcell, Sidney Black Jr. and Louise Smith, whom he loved and adored.
He graduated from Beaumont High School in 1935 and moved to Gilchrist, Texas traveling on the “Ida Dell” down the Intercoastal Canal. The Black family established one of the first businesses in Gilchrist, Black’s Café (Beer, Bait and Beans). He became an avid hunter and fisherman and earned his living duck guiding and shrimping. He later owned and operated Black’s Store from 1951 to 1961 and built the first fishing pier over 1000’ long in the entire Gulf of Mexico.
He met the love of his life and married Thelma Berwick August 30, 1941, spending 65 wonderful years together. Their four children include Richard A. Black, Jr., Sidney Weaver, Terry Bonno and Sharon Blankenship. He served in the army from 1941 to 1945 as an Intelligence Sergeant in the 778th Tank Battalion of General Patton’s Third Army in World War II and earned numerous medals and honor of which the Bronze Star was his most cherished.
After owning several other businesses he was elected Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Galveston County and served his community for 16 years. Additionally he was an active member of the JP and Constables Association of Texas. His commitment to the community included serving as President of the High Island School Board for 16 years, facilitating the establishment of High Island ISD, founding the VFW and supporting the Gulf Coast Rod, Reel and Gun Club which established Rollover Pass.
He was totally devoted to his family, friends, church and community and leave behind his wife, Thelma Black, son Richard A. Black, Jr. of High Island, daughters Terry Bonno and husband Louis of Houston and Sharon Blankenship of Houston. His grandchildren include Rich Black, Jason and wife Christy Black, Robbin and husband Geoff Howard, Jake and Zach Weaver, Steven and David Bonno and Jake Blankenship. Great grandchildren include Ryan, Madeline, Luke, Kaitlyn and Brett Black and Parker Howard. In addition to mourn his lost are numerous family members and friends.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 2, 2007 at St. Matthews Methodist Church, 1308 Weeks Ave., High Island, Texas with burial to follow in High Island Cemetery, under the direction of Broussard’s 134.W. Buccaneer Dr., Winnie, Texas. A gathering of family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, February 1, 2007 at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthew United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 297, HighIsland, Texas 77623
