S. Joel Black

Age 85, of East Sparta, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021.  He was born Oct. 9, 1936 in Canton, a son of the late Paul and Florence (Slutz) Black, and was a life resident of East Sparta.  Joel was a member of the last graduating class of East Sparta High School in 1954, and a member of the great basketball team that went to the District Finals.  He was retired from Republic Engineered Steel where he was an Operations Analyst.  Joel was a member of East Sparta United Methodist Church, Caldwell Lodge #330, F. & A.M., and the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Canton.  He served on East Sparta Village Council for 17 years, and as a Trustee on the Tri-Division Ambulance Board since 2009.

Joel is survived by his wife, Nancy J. Black, with whom he celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary on May 19th, two daughters and one son, Teresa Black, Tammy (Jack) Calkins, and Thomas (Ronda) Black, his sister, Janet Lewton, four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, Adam (Ashley) Hutmacher, and their children, Adelyn and Aldon, Abey Hutmacher, Cole (Jami) Calkins, and their children, Cambrya, Cooper, and Crew, Cody (Kirstin) Calkins, and their children, Reese and Regan, and great-grandson Dakota Chandler.

A Memorial Service will be held Sat., Dec. 18, 2021 at 11 a.m. in East Sparta United Methodist Church with Pastor Joshua Daniels officiating. Friends may call Sat. 10-11 a.m. before the service at the church and in the church Fellowship Hall during a luncheon following the service.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joel's memory may be made to East Sparta United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 445, East Sparta, OH 44626.  Condolences may be sent to: gordonfuneralhomes.com

Gordon (330) 866-9425