Tom Black, 82, died July 21st, 2024. He was born July 13, 1942 in Lawrence, Kansas, to Fred C. “Bunny” Black and Kathryn Sloan Black. Tom was preceded in death by his father, mother, and sister, Kay Sloan Black.
He is survived by his wife, Joan Shellenberger Black; daughters, Kathryn Elizabeth Black and Ashlea Elizabeth Black; and sons, Thomas Harvey Black Jr., and Andrew Edward Black; Grandchildren, Nicholas Black, Kira Black, Kayla Lopuga; and great-grandchild, Mila Lopuga.
Tom grew up in Lawrence and graduated from Lawrence High School where he was an outstanding athlete in football, basketball and baseball. The football team had the distinction of the longest winning steak in high school and college football at that time in history. He attended Wichita State, Pittsburg State and The University of Kansas and played on the football and basketball teams. Upon his father’s death in 1966, he assumed ownership of the Royal College Shop, a family-owned shoe store in downtown Lawrence. In 1984, the shoe business brought Tom to San Diego, California, where he represented several shoe companies. Tom and Joan retired and returned to Lawrence in 2016.
He was an avid sports enthusiast and lifelong fan of the University of Kansas. Rock Chalk Jayhawk.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s honor to Ascend Hospice and The Lawrence Schools Foundation (LHS Football), sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home: P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.
The Black family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Keep Living At Home and the administration and staff of Neuvant House for their exceptional care and support.
