William Black, 65

William J. “Bill” Black, 65, of Highland died on Friday, Dec. 18, 2015 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Highland.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 21 and from 8 to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 22 at Meridith Funeral Home in Highland. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 22 at Meridith Funeral Home in Highland, with the Rev. Dr. Beverly Wilkes-Null, pastor of Highland Hope United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be at a later date.

He was born on Nov. 24, 1950 in East St. Louis to William and Laura (Kassing) Black. On June 14, 1969, he married Peggy Peck in East St. Louis. She survives in Highland.

Mr. Black retired from the Southwestern Illinois Metropolitan and Regional Planning Commission, where he was a graphic artist for 45 years. He also served as Caseyville village trustee and precinct committeeman in O’Fallon, as well as on the O’Fallon Park Board and homecoming committees.

A member of Ducks Unlimited, Mr. Black loved his lake, nature and wildlife, going fishing and hunting and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed many good times with his brothers-in-law at “the clubhouse.” He shared his love of his backyard birds and trees with his wife of 46 years, Peggy.

He will be sadly missed by his dog, Lily, with whom he watched numerous Westerns.

Other survivors include his children, Dawn (William) Poe of Highland, Robin (Randy) Nelson of Highland and William R. (Stacie) Black of Highland; grandchildren, Gabriella Nelson, Chase Poe, Hunter Nelson, Mia Poe and Haley Black; brothers, Kenneth (Teresa) Black of Prospect Heights, Ill., Donald (Doris) Black of Bloomington, Ill., and Leonard (Doris) Black of Caseyville; brothers-in-law, Billy (Cindy) Peck and Jeff (Patty) Peck; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials may be made to Ducks Unlimited or the John Wayne Cancer Institute.

This story was originally published December 21, 2015 at 5:17 AM with the headline "William Black, 65."