Leopold David Black

The world lost a great man when David Black, 87, of Alamo Heights, Texas, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2025 with his family at his bedside. He was born on February 20, 1937, in Houston, Texas, to Theresa Agnes Quinn and Henry Nelson Black. David was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and a respected business leader. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Goyen, for 66 years.

Together they shared a lifetime of love, adventure, and memories. Their union was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Katherine Joyce and Beth Black, four wonderful grandchildren, Brittany and Joshua Drum and Patrick and Michael Joyce, and two great-grandchildren Isis and Joey Holmberg, who were the pride of his life.

A proud alumnus of Texas A&M University, David graduated in 1959 with a degree in industrial engineering. He attended graduate school at The University of Houston. David’s first job at the age of 8 was selling peanuts on the Houston ship channel where his grandfather and uncle served gumbo to the businessmen that crossed the channel. He had a great sales pitch, “Buy one, get one free.” After they bought a bag of peanuts, he would give them one peanut free. His professional career was marked by many successes, and he rose to become the CEO, President, and Chairman of the Board of JLG Industries, a position in which he led the company to new heights with $1 billion in sales. He traveled the world and lived in many cities while climbing the corporate ladder.

His daughter referred to him as the most generous man on the planet. He was always thinking of ways to help others and was very modest and humble about his ability to do so. He sent 20 people to college and opened college savings accounts for anyone born into the extended family or his circle of friends. He loved to tell stories and jokes while enjoying the company of others and a good cigar. An avid reader, he read four newspapers a day and enjoyed watching the history channel. He was a gourmet cook and loved treating his friends and family to delicious meals.

David and Marilyn shared a deep passion for travel and enjoyed a fulfilling life together, with homes in Texas and Maryland. His love for his family and his commitment to excellence in everything he did were hallmarks of his character.

David is survived by his wife Marilyn, daughters Katherine (Jack) Joyce and Beth (Amie) Black, brother Jim (Latreca) Black and sister Nel West, as well as, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends who will forever cherish his memory. His wisdom, generosity, and warmth will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Rest in peace, David. Your legacy of love, leadership, kindness and generosity will live on in the hearts of those you touched.

A Memorial Rosary will take place on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 9:00 am at St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church (111 Barilla Place, San Antonio, TX). A Memorial Mass will follow at 10:00 am. If you are unable to attend, you may view David's service here: https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/mf-fwp/pl_20250130-black.html

Rev. Abe Karukaparambil and Msgr. Bruce Jarboe will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one of these charities that were near and dear to David’s heart: St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church in San Antonio; St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Hagerstown, MD; Texas A&M College of Engineering, or San Antonio Life Academy.