Robert (Bob) Lee Black was born on Feb. 2, 1930, in Mitchell, S.D., to Charles and Valeria Black. He spent his early years in Tripp, S.D., before settling in Rapid City where he graduated from Rapid City High School. Bob worked for the Bureau of Reclamation before enlisting in the Navy, where he served his country on the USS Boxer from 1948-1951.Bob worked for NW Bell for 37 years. His career took him from Belle Fourche, Rapid City, Philip, Huron and Sioux Falls in South Dakota to Casper, Wyo., and finally to Denver, Colo.
After retiring, Bob and his wife Gayle settled in the Black Hills, where he was active in the South Dakota Snowmobile Association — serving as president from 1995-1997. He had an uncanny resemblance to the Gunsmoke TV character, Matt Dillon, so his participation in the Hill City Shootout was always favorably received by the summertime tourists.
Bob was always an enthusiastic community volunteer. He was an announcer for Huron American Legion baseball and was instrumental in bringing the Huron Little League under the stewardship of the American Legion. He was also a high school football referee. After retirement, Bob was active in the Telephone Pioneers, serving as State President for two years.
Bob of Hill City passed away on Sept. 23 under the loving care of Rapid City Hospice House. He is survived by his wife Gayle; his sister Judith Black of Spearfish; his children Stephen (Cindy) Black, Leann Black Mueller, Christopher Black and Anthony (Mindy) Black, six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; stepdaughters Lynn (Michael) Grout, Judy (Rod) Lindstrom and five step-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Betty Lou Black.
Private family services will be held at a later date.
Behrens-Wilson Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements and condolences may be conveyed to the family at Behrens-Wilson.com.