Joe David Black, 81, of Vincennes, passed away at 11:40 pm Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at his residence.
He was born June 12, 1939 in Winslow, Indiana to Arvel and Aurice (VanLaningham) Black.
A native of Pike Country, Joe was a member of the Winslow High School class of 1957 and a 1961 graduate of Evansville College, where he earned the distinction of 2nd Lt. in the Air Force ROTC. Joe then continued his education at Indiana University School of Law, graduating with a Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree in 1964.
From 1964-1967, Joe served his country at Altus Air Force Base, Altus, OK, beginning as 2nd Lt. and finishing his career as Captain serving as Judge Advocate General (JAG). Following his military service, he began his law career in Vincennes, IN joining the firm of Harvey Ramsey. Joe stared his own firm in 1999 and practiced law for over 50 years.
An owner of two area orchards, Joe’s love of growing fruit was sparked long ago during his boyhood by his grandmother. His dream of having his own orchard was realized when he started Apple Hill Orchard in 2000 and, more recently, purchased Engelbrecht’s Orchard. Walking through the trees was a great pastime, and this fall he enjoyed many, many evenings picking apples with his wife and grandson.
A man of great conviction, Joe served others through many venues. His civic involvement included leadership in the local Republican Party and running for political office (State Senator and Vincennes Mayor); past president and member of Kiwanis; Oakland City University Board of Trustees; Attic, Inc. Board Member; and long-time leader of the Our Gang 4-H Club.
Joe’s love for people was exhibited through his involvement in church and church activities. A lifetime General Baptist, he was a member at Bunker Hill GB church and held leadership positions on the General Baptist Denominational Board and Flat Creek Association.
However, most people would know Joe as a man with a heart for children. He began working with youth in 4-H at age 16, taking over leadership of his 4-H club the “Crowville Hustlers” in Pike County. During college, his work at “Neighborhood House” helping to organize programs to help kids stay out of trouble, ignited his passion for working with troubled and underprivileged youth. Since then, he has impacted hundreds of children as he served as youth leader, basketball coach, 4-H leader, van driver and mentor. He loved the kids and they loved him. For years he kept a supply of bananas on the church van, ensuring the children had something for breakfast, earning him the “Banana Man” nickname. Joe’s purpose was to provide kids with constructive activities and opportunities, be it through church camp, 4-H, or serving others through providing food baskets at Thanksgiving.
Surviving are his wife Mary Jane (Willis) Black, whom he married on July 1, 1961; his children Kristi Schulz and her husband Tim of Newburgh, and Brad Black and his wife Karen of Bruceville; a sister Vicky Black of Shelbyville, TN; along with four grandchildren Kasi Schulz Wirtz, Tara Schulz, Madison Black, and Connor Black.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Monday at Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home in Vincennes with Pastors Jay Howder and Cody Ramsay officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunset Cemetery in Winslow. Visitation will be from 2-5 pm Sunday at the funeral home. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at 6:00 pm Monday evening at Apple Hill Orchard for family and friends. The family requests memorial donations to be sent to the “Camp Arthur Long-Range Planning Committee”.
