Donald L. Black

Donald L. Black of Beavercreek, Ohio, age 89, passed away, 24 May 2013, at Crestview Nursing Home, surrounded by his family.

Born, 4 April 1924, in Dayton, Ohio. Preceded in death by his parents Bill and Leona Black. Don graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1942. Don served in WWII in the U.S. Army with the 63rd Engineers, 44th Infantry Division, H.Q. Company as a Radio Recon Operator, in the ETO.

After the end of the war, Don came home and signed with the Cleveland Indians and played in their farm team, the Dayton Indians. He also played for the Boston Braves farm team and the New York Yankees farm team.

After retiring from the Pros, he played semi-pro for Dayton's Wiedemann Buds. In 1980, Don was inducted into the Dayton Amateur Base Ball Hall of Fame.

Following his Base Ball career Don became involved in Little League Base Ball in Dayton as a Manager of the Inland Plastics Team. He was remembered by the parents as a coach that was more interested in teaching the kids how to play Base Ball than in winning. He made sure every kid got to play in every game.

In 1957 Don and his family moved to Beavercreek, where he continued coaching Little League. He also served several years as a volunteer Fireman at Station 4 on Indian Ripple Road.

Don worked at Dayton Power & Light and retired in 1980.

He was a member of M.A.C. and the Masonic Lodge and the Shrine.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years Jean, son Timothy (Mable) and son Ronald (Rhonda) and five Grandchildren: Kelley (Russ) Wright, Becky (John) Slaughenhaupt, Dr. Dan (Erin) Black, Craig (Jenny) Black, Scott (Sara) Black. Also 10 Great-Grandchildren.

He was a good Christian, humble man.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crossroads Hospice.

Funeral Service will be held at 12 Noon, Friday, May 31, 2013 at Newcomer Funeral Home, 3380 Dayton-Xenia Road, Beavercreek, Ohio 45432. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service (11 AM-12 Noon). Chaplain John Arnott officiating. Interment Mt. Zion Shoup.