Obituary of Paul D. Black

Black, Paul D.

Saginaw, Michigan

Our loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and dear friend passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was 81 years old. Paul D. Black was born on April 9, 1942, in Alpena, Michigan, to the late Sebert and Harriet (O’Toole-Zirkle) Black. Paul graduated from Alpena High School in 1960. He married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie Jean Byers, on June 10, 1961, celebrating 62 wonderful years together. Shortly after his high school graduation, he enlisted with the United States Army.  Following boot camp, he was assigned to the 101^st Airborne Division in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He later moved to Fort Riley, Kansas, with the 1^st Infantry Big Red One. While on maneuvers for Fort Riley, Paul taught at West Point. Paul was also assigned to the Airborne Division 8^th Army in Bad Krueznach, Germany. While serving in Germany, he was selected to participate with the German Paratroopers Unit. Paul ended his active military career with the 82^nd Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. He proudly served with the United States Army for eight years and then continued his service with the Army National Guard as SFC for an additional 12 years. When Paul returned to Michigan in 1967, he served the Saginaw community as a Patrol Officer, also known for “walking the beat” for the City of Saginaw, retiring as Sergeant in 1994. During his years of service, he was a member of the first K-9 group, working with his fury partner Cody. Paul was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, and the American Legion Post #0439. Paul enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, reading, crossword puzzles, harassing telemarketers, and spending time with his family making memories. One of his favorite roles was as a grandfather; teaching the kids to read, going on adventures, watching countless Disney movies and attending all of the kids’ activities. 

Paul is survived by his wife, Bonnie Black; children: Jeffrey Black, Julie (Chris) Gunther and Debra (Doug) Bradford; grandchildren: Jennifer Black, Sarah (Jay) Mepham, Abigal (Matthew) Herriman, Seth Bradford, Anna Bradford and Lauren Bradford; great grandchildren: Lily Swift, Sydney and Juliana Mepham, Connor and Owen Herriman; brother, Albert (Maxine) Black; many nieces, nephews, extended and dear friends.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters: Judy (Frank) Timmreck and Loretta (Robert) West.

FUNERAL: A funeral service for Paul will be held at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State), Saginaw, MI 48603. Pastor Bob Davis will officiate. Burial will be at Great Lakes National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14, 2024. Military honors under the auspices of the United States Army and V.F.W. Post #1859 will be held at the cemetery.

VISITATION: Family and friends will gather on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 7:00 p.m.

MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to Tunnel to Towers or the American Cancer Society. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State), Saginaw. Please share your thoughts and memories at the funeral home or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com