Harry O. Black Jr.

Harry O. Black Jr. of O’Fallon, MO, passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2017, at the age of 93. Beloved husband of the late Jennie Grace Black; cherished son of Daisy and Harry O. Black Sr.; devoted father of Barbara “Barb” Jean (Henry) Butts, and Donald E. (Kris) Black; loving grandfather of Nathan (Carey) Steele, Loren (Elizabeth) Steele, Beth (Joe) Ratkewicz, Katy Black, and Andrew (Kim) Black; caring step-grandfather of Christy (Ty) Green, Miriam (Kevin) Burch, and Daniel (Crystal) Butts; treasured great-pawpaw of William, Sam, Jonathan, and Lillian Steele, Otto Ratkewicz, Olivia and Emaline Black, Clementine and Jacob Steele, and Otto Ratkewicz; precious step-great-pawpaw of Wyatt, Garrett, and Faith, Ally-Lynn, and Oakley Green, and Gideon Butts; dear brother of Ronald (Etta) Black; caring brother-in-law of Mary Lou Black, Angie Thompson, and John (Joan) Quagliata; and an adored uncle and prized friend of many. Harry is preceded in death by his brother Bobby Black.

Harry was a WWII Veteran of the Army Air Corps and worked for McDonnell Douglas for over 36 years as a production planner for aircrafts where he met the original 7 astronauts. He enjoyed many interests such as hunting, fishing, and listening to music, and he was a member of Toastmasters. Most of all he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Harry was always respectful, very friendly, very patient, and deeply loved, and will be missed greatly by all who knew him.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.