"Tom and I spent many hours and days together the first two years at Garrigan. the Black home felt like my second home. At that time in my life Tom was my best friend and I loved being with his family at their home. With 49 years of coaching behind me i still consider him to be one of the best all around high school talents I have seen. Even though we drifted apart I still enjoyed his friendship in college. Our junior year we got together on the intramural baseball championship team. Sports were probably much more important to me , but C. Thomas could still really play. We all had long hair and most people knew Custer. His hair, mustache,and smile and kind demeanor made him the Duhawk that he was. Although I have not seen you in nearly a half century my heart is heavy,but I believe you are resting peacefully with that smile on your face. thanks to Frank and Bill for the updates through the years till we see you again. John McGuire"
In loving memory of
Cole Thomas "Tom" Black
February 10, 1951 - May 1, 2022
A funeral Mass for Tom will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, May 13, 2022, at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church in Federal Way, Washington. The funeral Mass will be live-streamed.
Cole Thomas "Tom" Black was born on February 10, 1951, in Algona Iowa, the son of Stanley and Colleen (Edrman) Black. He grew up in Algona and attended St. Cecelias school, Bishop Garrigan High School, graduating in 1969, he then went on to Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa where he earned degrees in history and secondary education, graduating in 1973.
Tom and a friend-owned TNT Construction in Algona for a few years before Tom went to work as a Project Superintendent for BARCO in Algona. Tom continued his profession of Construction Superintendent in Phoenix, Arizona, and Seattle, Washington. Tom enjoyed collecting coins and comic books, going to the casino and playing the slot machines, playing cards, eating burritos, and watching his Arizona Wildcats.
Tom passed away on Sunday, May 1, 2022, after a brief battle with Leukemia at Franciscan Urgent Care, University Place, Washington. He was 71 years old. His kind personality and generous heart will be missed by many.
He is survived by the love of his life Jan Fawthrop; children, Addy, Jett, Sam, and Benjamin; his grandchildren; and Jan's grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Becky (Wayne) Tietz; Mike Black; Frank (Betsy) Black; Sue Withers; Bill (Mavis) Black; Pat (Lisa) Black; Jim Black; Jeanne (Jesse) Berkland; Tami (Terry) Shafer; Mary (Eric) McCrea; sister-in-law, Susan Black; and many nieces and nephews.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Colleen; brother Dan; baby Stanley; and nephew, Jason Black.
Tributes
"Tom was truly a good person. So kind!"
"A class of 1969 class mate ?Fun Loving Guy , God Bless you and your Family ?.Luke Kollasch , Morristown,NJ "
"my heartfelt prayers to the family of Tom Black on your loss. May He Rest in the high heavens. "