Robert Joe Black passed away Thursday morning with his family by his side.  He was born March 26, 1952, in Crawfordsville to Ernest Elmer & Betty Louise Conkright Black.

He married Peggy Jo McCalment on July 12, 1971, and they shared 52 years together as best friends as well as husband and wife. She promised to always be "his girl" and he promised to always take care of her, and he did. They loved and cherished their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They had 4 children they adored who will miss their father tremendously. Rebecca (Don) Sunkle of Jackson, MI; Tammy (Jeff) Bushong of Crawfordsville; Bobbie (Jason) Meadows of Crawfordsville; and Ricky (Melissa) Black of Frankfort.

His grandchildren; Dawnita (Ethan) Hester, Dani Lucas, Zachary Lucas, Gage (Samantha) Walters, Holley (Drake) Walters, Sophia (Dylan) Walters, and Lillian Bushong were his most cherished people. He had 6 great Grandchildren that he loved dearly.  He is also survived by his sister Margaret "Midgie" Switzer and brother-in-law Gene Hargis.

Robert retired from Wabash National after 30 years of dedicated service. He enjoyed his job there as a welder and was very proud of the time he dedicated to the company as it grew over the years.

He enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, fishing, watching his family races, sitting on the porch in the rocking chair, and traveling.

He was preceded in death by his siblings; Ernie (Francis) Black, Stella (Herbert) Franklin; Diane Hargis; and Linda Jackson as well as brother-in-law Melvin Switzer.

Funeral services will be held Monday, April 15 at Hunt & Son Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 12-2 Monday. Interment will follow at the Darlington IOOF Cemetery.