John F. “Cassius” Black, 82, of Ironton, passed away Monday, July 18, 2011, at Community Hospice Care Center in Ashland, Ky. The Ashland native was born Oct. 8, 1928, he was the son of the late Benjamin Sr. and Eliza (Morrow) Black. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Gay Levis Black, whom he married on April 1, 1956.

In addition to his parents, John is preceded in death by four brothers, Franklin and Marion (Walsh) Black, Rev. Joe and Maxine (Young) Black, Rev. Stephen and Madge Black and his first wife Louise (Matney) Black, Ben and Alice (Hopkins) Black, Jr., Harold and Ginny Black and his first wife Stella Mae Black, and Marvin Black; four sisters, Wilma Alene (Black) and Jack Mercer, Maxine (Black) and Bernard Wallace, Mary (Black) and Homer McClellan, and Alberta (Black) and Joe Young.

In addition to his wife, John is survived by a son, Chris and Shala (Scherer) Black of Ironton; a daughter, Susan (Black) and David Lawless of Ironton; a sister, Kathryn (Black) and Wayne Beals of Hillsboro; two grandsons, J.D. and Christy (Doughman) Vaughn of Ironton and Michael Lawless of Ironton; a sister-in-law, Claire Black of Charleston, W.Va.; and many nieces and nephews.

John was an Army veteran and served in the Korean war. He also worked at PNC Bank, formerly Citizens National Bank, as vice president of Commercial Loans. John also served as treasurer of the American Heart Association, member of the VFW Post 8850 and the BPOE. 177 in Ironton. John was the 1964 Club Champion of the Ironton County Club.

In addition to all of John’s achievements, he was also a member of Central Christian Church in Ironton.

Visitation with the family will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at Tracy Brammer – Monroe Funeral Home in Ironton. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Brent Baker officiating. Burial will follow at Woodland Cemetery with graveside rites by VFW 8850.

In lieu of flowers, friends may make contributions in his memory to Community Hospice 1538 Central Ave., Ashland, KY 41101 and Central Christian Church 1541 S. Seventh St., Ironton, OH 45638. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.tracybrammerfh.com.