Bill L. “Billy” Black 67, died Friday, February 22, 2019 from medical complications at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas. He was born June 21, 1951 in Abilene, Kansas to Benny and Pauline (Barta) Black. On October 29, 1971 he married Wenda Nickel at Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church in Goessel, Kansas and she survives of the home.
Bill worked for 37 years for Sellers Tractor in Wichita as a Field Service Heavy Equipment Mechanic. Following his time with Sellers he worked for the City of Newton Street Department for 3 years. Bill and Wenda owned and operated Black Diamond Ranch in Southern Harvey County where they raised sheep, cattle and horses. He was proud of his team of Haflinger Draft Horses and loved to take friends and family on wagon rides with the horses. In addition to their livestock he also spent many hours baling hay for the farm.
He was a county wide leader for the Harvey County 4-H bucket calf project and looked forward to mentoring the 4-H youth of Harvey County. He greatly enjoyed spending time with his loving family and many friends. He especially enjoyed time spent with his grandkids who knew to always expect Papa to lovingly tease them.
He is survived by his wife Wenda of the home; sons: Justin (Angela) Black of Newton, KS, Chad Black of Alva, OK and Travis Black of Cimarron, Kansas; daughter Patricia (Flint) Harrelson of Mount Sterling, Kentucky; brother Bobby (Michelle) Black and sisters: Linda (Jim) Smith, Jolene (Mike) Heidrick and Sharon (Larry) Swisher. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and was anxiously awaiting the birth of his 11th grandchild.
Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at First Mennonite Church in Newton, Kansas with Pastor Anita Kehr presiding. Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday evening at Petersen Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be 1:30 Wednesday at the Alexanderwohl Cemetery in Goessel, Kansas.
Memorials are suggested to the Harvey County 4-H in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
I’m so sorry for your lost. Thinking of you guys! He was such a great person to see at 4-h meetings and shows. Always had a smile on his face and love his jokes
So sorry for your loss! We always lose the great guys way too soon. Praying for peace and comfort at this time. The hurt changes as time passes, but your memories are forever.
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for the whole family!! Bill could put a smile on your face anytime. May God’s loving hand hold you and wipe your tears.
So sorry to hear this he always had smile whenever or wherever I seen him our thoughts and prayers are with you all
Wenda and Family, our thoughts are so with you at this time. We send our prayers and love for you all. A great Man will be missed by many. Bruce and Kay Young.
A great guy to work with. The epitome of a “gentle giant”! God speed my friend.
So sorry for your lose. He was a wonderful man.
Wenda, prayers for you and your family as you face this heavy loss. HOPE Home Repair, Newton KS
OH MY, Wenda We am so sorry to hear this. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family..
Very sorry for your loss Sends. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Dawn and Jeff Unruh
To the Black family I send my sincerest condolences. I hope that the fondest memories you have of Billy with lessen the sorrow of his passing. Please find the time to pray to God for comfort and may you all have peace. -Philippians 4:6, 7
We are so sorry, Wenda. You know our hearts are with you and your family.
So sorry to hear about Bill. He was always so nice when we worked together.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you Wenda and your family.
Have known bill over 30 years. We will truley miss him but still retain the memories.
. Always helpful and careing all thru 4 h and as neighbors. I pray for the family to be comforted during this difficult time.