L. Tex Black, 86, Indianapolis, IN passed away May 4, 2016.
Tex Black, born October 31, 1929, in Terre Haute, Indiana: One of five children to Leo and Cleo Black, later Cleo Hicks. In 1944, with a forged birth certificate, Tex enlisted in the Army. In February, 1945, a 15-year-old Tex parachuted into combat during the Los Banos raid on Leyte Islands in the Philippines. Postwar, Tex served in the occupation army in Tokyo as a Master Sargent with the Military Police. He served as a combat instructor at Fort Riley Kansas until his discharge. After his discharge, he graduated Tulsa University where he met and married Luann Wilder. This marriage produced his three children Andrew, Kevin, and Linda.
In 1958, Tex and his family moved to Indianapolis, IN. He opened his own business, Black’s Mirror & Glass, on Indianapolis’ south side in 1968. He was very active in the Republican Party at the state and county levels. He unsuccessfully campaigned for political office several times, those events deterred neither his activism nor his ardent patriotism.
In 1996, Tex married Karen Gillaspy and added three more children to his family: David, Kimberly, and Christin. Proud of his service, he was very active in the local chapters of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). He held many and diverse leadership positions throughout his life.
His passion for veterans led him to become a veteran’s advocate to the VA where he assisted other veterans in cutting through administrative red tape and obtaining their deserved and needed benefits from the VA. He was recognized with a National Award for Outstanding Meritorious Service by the American Legion 1990-1993.
Tex was also an active member of Kiwanis International. He and Karen were very active in the Lawrence Chapter. As a frequent attendee to meetings he was well known for his effusive greetings, passionate patriotism and his ability to never forget a birthday.
An accident while helping others in 1991 resulted in a severe loss of mobility. He remained active with Kiwanis and the American Legion until his health precluded that in 2011.
Tex is survived by his wife, Karen, his children, Andrew Black (Jose Avina), Indpls, IN, Kevin Black (Wanda), Indpls, IN, Linda Tritch (Edward), Avilla, IN; ten grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and countless others who felt adopted and loved by his generous soul and loving manner.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 9th at 12:00 p.m. with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at Indiana Funeral Care 8151 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46250. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org
L. Tex Black
Keke Rorick says
My deepest condolences to Tex’s family. Our world has lost such a bright light. But just imagine the mischief and laughter he is blessing the saints in heaven with right now! And I am so grateful for his daughter, who is so like him. Her friendship is my blessing here on earth!
Austin Greene says
A long time member of the Downtown Kiwanis Club who contacted every member on their birthday with best wishes will be missed for this and many other projects. Will keep family and friends in prayers.
Karen Neiswinger says
The family of Joe Baxter sends its heartfelt sympathy. Tex was a wonderful man, a true patriot and he will be missed.
Gayle Webb says
Our condolences to Karen and the family. Tex was larger than life and a dear friend we met through Kiwanis. The Nirth Central Indianapolis could not have gotten through program sales at the track without his many hours of helping us sell programs!
I will forever remember Gov. Lonnie Steele’s Costume Party visit to our division when he arrived as Col. Sanders and Karen was dressed in a chicken costume!
His enthusiasm was contagious and he always had a smile on his face!
Rest in peace our good and faithful servant.
Gayle & Larry Webb
Ron Ryker says
Tex , you were a Hero to many of us Veterans. We know God has embraced you . Thank You for being my friend.?????