Dickie O'Laughlin Black

Dickie L. O'Laughlin Black, 60, of Tamms, Ill., died Saturday, April 4, 2009, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Jan. 1, 1949, in Cairo, Ill., son of Gene and Betty Jo Nichols O'Laughlin.

Dick retired after more than 30 years of service as a master machinist with the Burlingotn Northern-Sante Fe, Northern Pacific and Union Pacific railroads.

Sgt. Dick "Bull" Black served with pride and honor in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1970. He served as a communications center specialist with the 1st AirCav in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. He served with I Corps in Korea in 1968. He participated in Cambodia Operations from 1969 to 1970 and was awarded a Purple Heart and Good Conduct Medal.

Black is survived by two daughters, Amy Kearce of Anna, Ill., and Kelsey Black of Warren, Mass.; his fiancee, Debbie Cox of Tamms; two granddaughters, Briana McKinney of Florida and Autumn Shorett of Massachusetts; two sisters, Karen Bosecker and husband Lloyd of Golconda, Ill., and Jeannie Landis of Anna, Ill.; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his stepfather, Woodrow Thrower.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Edwin Findley officiating.

Interment will be in Mound City National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Illinois Army National Guard Honors Detail and area veterans.

Memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans or the Southeast Missouri Humane Society and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Leave online condolences at www.crainsonline.com.