Robert E. Black (Bob), 64, Kansas City, MO, passed away January 24, 2008, at St. Joseph Hospital of heart failure. Bob was born on January 22, 1944, in KCMO, and celebrated a heart transplant birthday September 26, 2001, thanks to his donor, Robert Craig Brown. Bob was a 1962 graduate of Southeast High School, where he was a member of the '61 KC Basketball Championship team. He was always interested in sports and excelled in baseball, basketball and football. Favorite memories include his sons' sports and outdoors activities, family camping and fishing trips, times with his Mizzou buddies, and his passion for blues songs. Bob worked 25 years for Armco Steel Corp. and nine years in the Hickman Mills School Dist. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Russell Black, his mother Ada Black Cunningham, and his nephew Rex Allen Johnson. Bob is survived by his wife of 42 years, Karen Thomas Black; three sons, Brandon R. Black, M.D., and wife Felecia of New York, N.Y., Ryan R. Black of Kansas City, MO, Major Brett Black and wife Kim of Kaiserslautern, Germany; two grandchildren, Owen Black and Avrie Black; two sisters, Norma Johnson and husband Stanley of Clinton, MO, Ruth Miller and husband Roger of Lee's Summit, MO; three nephews and seven nieces plus many family and friends. Visitation will be 1:30-3 p.m. Tuesday, January 29, at Mt. Moriah and Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO, prior to a funeral service at 3 p.m., and burial at Mt. Moriah immediately following. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Point Baptist Church, KU Med Heart Center, or the American Heart Assoc. Mt. Moriah and Freeman, (816) 942- 2004

Published by Kansas City Star on Jan. 27, 2008.