Harry William Black

Harry William Black was born in Stockport, England, on December 23, 1927, the youngest child and only son of William and Nora (Preston) Black. He died on May 10, 2015 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. On June 17, 1951, he married Allene McClaran of Independence, Missouri. Allene preceded him in death on June 11, 2007. Harry is survived by his daughters: Elaine Day (Garry Allen), Michele Black, Denise Little (Steve), grandchildren: Sarah Day, Leah Maloney, Staven Little, Falon Little, and four great‐grandchildren. Harry attended public school in Stockport prior to entering trade school in his early teens, where he was apprenticed as a plumber. In 1949, he left England to attend Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa. He received an AA degree from Graceland in 1951. He received a BA from Park College in 1981, and also studied at the St. Paul School of Theology. In 1951, Harry accepted full time appointment as a minister with the Community of Christ (Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.) During his 50 plus years of service he brought ministry throughout the United States and Canada, the United Kingdom, and Europe. At the height of his career, Harry served as Senior President of Seventy, leader of the church’s missionary quorums. He had a passion for missionary work, being present with people, and was a gifted and inspirational speaker. The family will receive friends beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 31 at the Woods Chapel Community of Christ Church in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, with a memorial service beginning at 4pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Harry’s name to the Graceland University Endowed Alumni Scholarship Fund or the Groves Community Hospice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600)