Marvin Perry Black, 89, of Richland, was born September 8, 1914, in Oskaloosa, Iowa and died Wednesday, October 1, 2003, at Kadlec Medical Center.

He was raised in Oskaloosa where his father was a railroad engineer. Marvin took great delight in riding in the cab of the steam engine with his father.

He was a natural athlete and played all sports throughout his school career. He continued athletic endeavors into his later years and became an avid golfer.

Marvin received a congressional appointment to West Point but was unable to accept due to family obligations. During World War II, he was inducted into the U. S. Army First Calvary and served in the South Pacific Theater. He was a charter member and one of the original three founding members of Richland V.F.W. Cook-Erickson Post 7952.

Mr. Black moved to Richland in 1946 where he was a construction inspector/mechanical engineering technician for General Electric and Vitro.

Marvin’s proudest moment was the birth of his son, Michael.

He is survived by sisters, Pauline, Louise and Margaret; son, Michael Black and his wife, Pamela; grandson, Alex Black; granddaughter, Theresa Black; step grandchildren, Shane and Victoria; stepsons, Andrew Menefee, Walter Menefee and stepdaughter, Beverly Wheeler.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Myrta; his second wife, Stella; a brother, John; and three sisters, Edith, Ada and Phyllis.

Graveside services will be Sunday, October 5, 2003, at 2:00 p.m. in Sunset Memorial Gardens.