Walter A. Black M.D.

Born September 8, 1943 in Farmington, Illinois to Robert William and Hannah Marie (Hewitt) Black, he married Carolyn Mae Mitzelfelt on June 23, 1963 in Peoria. She survives.

Also surviving are his children Cecelia (Wayne) Clark of Winter Park, Florida, Robert (June) Black of Apopka, Florida and Dr. Ronald (Kelli) Black of Honolulu, Hawaii; grandchildren Justin Clark, Shannon Clark, Carolyn Black, Veronica Black, Daniel Black, Sophia Clark, Nicole (Adam) Schommer, Justin Gilpin, and great-granddaughter, Verona Gilpin. Also surviving are his sister, Rose Mary Melbourne of Kewanee, Illinois, and his brother James Robert Black of Farmington, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Daniel Ray Black of Farmington, Illinois.

A graduate of Bradley University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Walter then pursued a Master of Science in Organic Chemistry from Indiana University. After his sons were rescued from premature birth of 27 weeks, he changed course to attend and graduate from Loma Linda University School of Medicine. Following medical school he completed his Residency in Family Medicine at St. Francis Medical Center.

As a devoted physician, he practiced 3 years with his brother-in-law, Dr. Donald E. Mitzelfelt, in Kimberling City, Missouri. He then became the Florida Hospital Family Medicine Residency Clinical Director in Orlando, Florida before opening and operating a private medical practice in Apopka, Florida, which he maintained until 2007. At that time, he moved to Towanda, Pennsylvania, where he worked alongside his son, Dr. Ronald A. Black, fulfilling a lifelong dream. In 2013 he relocated back to central Florida where he continued in private practice until his retirement in 2017.

Walter was a devoted husband, father, and son. His passion was to honor God by loving others unconditionally and to serve his family and community. Cerebral and inquisitive, he was knowledgeable on a seemingly endless number of topics. He loved to teach and was a role model to many. He was especially proud of his children, and loved that both of his boys followed him into accomplished medical careers.

Walter was a man of great faith and was actively involved in church ministry. He was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

He was a longtime member of the Rotary Club, Sertoma, and the Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce.

His celebration of life memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home & Crematory in Pekin, Illinois. Pastor Andy McDonald will officiate. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, January 20, 2023 at the funeral home. Internment will be in Fon du Lac Township Cemetery in East Peoria, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to IHSAmission.com, 20119 Northeast 272nd Street, Battle Ground, Washington 98604.

To express condolences online, please visit www.preston-hanley.com