Claude D Black

Survived by wife of 73 years, Estella Mae Black, Children (spouses): Claudia (Doug) Coffey of Amarillo, TX; Bill (Coleen) Black of Omaha; Brad (Gloria) Black of Omaha; and David (Renee) Black of Papillion; 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Dale was born at St Catherine’s Hospital in Omaha. He attended Castelar Grade School, South High School, and Boyles Business College.

Growing up Dale found a love for swimming at the YMCA. It was there that as a teen he taught Marines how to swim before they shipped out. Into his 80's he could still swim up to a mile a day.

He married Estella Everingham on November 27, 1947 and many at Papillion Manor still called them “love birds”. He frequently referred to Estelle as “my bride”.

He was employed with the Union Pacific Railroad from Feb 24, 1944 – May 1, 1989, working nights most of his career.

Dale was a World War II Veteran of the US Navy from Feb 20, 1945 – July 19, 1946. He served aboard the LSM 211 and LST 721 as a Seaman First Class and received the Victory Medal, American Theatre Ribbon and the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon. He had a slight hearing loss the rest of his life due to shooting twin mounted 40mm AA guns without ear protection. Dale was the Master of Capital Lodge #3 in 1959.

While Dale worked nights on the railroad, he and Estelle owned and operated Vanda Beauty Counselor Cosmetics from 1966 – 1978. Estelle was the Sales Manager and Dale ran the Warehouse Operations. Their annual conventions saw Dale in many costumes including Little Hood Reading Ride. In their weekly sales meetings you would find Dale singing and being a cheerleader to all of the ladies.

After retiring from Vanda, Dale supported Estelle in starting a counseling practice.

After retiring from the railroad, Dale and Estelle enjoyed many trips to see friends around the country. Those friends were primarily people that had come to Papillion through the military and Dale/Estelle had met through church. Most would consider Dale and Estelle adopted parents.

When they could no longer travel they moved into assisted living at Immanuel Trinity Village in Papillion where many new friends were made and some of the staff became like family. He later was with Estelle at Papillion Manor, where again new staff became friends and family.

Throughout his life he was a regular blood donor to the American Red Cross – proudly wearing the “25.5” Gallons lapel pin.

He was proud of his family and loved them fiercely. He made a point of calling each child, spouse and grandchild on their birthday to sing “Happy Birthday”.

He never lost where he came from – he was proud to be a hard working South Omaha Boy. He loved to eat at Joe Tess’ and the GI Forum.

He could often appear gruff on the outside but inside was a heart of gold. If someone was in need and he knew about it he would help wherever he could – even donating cars to people that needed them and never asking for recognition.

Even in the late stages of life as he became legally blind and health failed, this highly independent man never showed frustration. When asked why, he said if he became grumpy or bitter it would only make those around him the same and that would not be good for anyone. You would always know he was around because you could hear his whistling or singing.

He and Estelle were very active in their church, including serving on building committees and Elder Boards. He was not shy to share that faith in the saving Grace of Jesus was fundamental. At his death he was a founding member of Grace Life Bible Church. His favorite song was “The Old Rugged Cross” and his favorite verse was 1 John 5: 11-12 “and this is the testimony that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”