Norman Allen Black

Norman Allen Black of Westerville, Ohio, a cherished husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026, at age 84. Born on January 30, 1942, in Columbus, Ohio, he was the son of Frank Clarence Black and Jean Rosella (McMacken) Black of Pickerington, Ohio.

From a young age, Norman was known for his kindness, compassion, work ethic, and loving nature—qualities that shaped the life he built. On July 24, 1964, he married Leona Margaret Axline, and together they shared 61 years of love, partnership, and family.

Norman spent 27 years in telephone communications, working as a linesman for Ohio Bell, Ameritech, and AT&T. Colleagues remembered him for his strong work ethic, leadership, and sense of humor.

Outside of work, Norman enjoyed time with his family and worshiping at Northeast Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for many years. He especially loved driving the Sunday School bus for the children who attended. This legacy of serving and kindness later continued in his decades of membership at Christian Assembly. His children also remember his love of movies, periodic summer trips to the Kingman and North High drive-in theaters, and enthusiasm for NASCAR racing and Tony Stewart.

Norman is survived by his wife, Leona Margaret (Axline) Black; his sons, David Allen (Cynthia Ostrander) Black of Mount Vernon, Ohio, and Norman Allen (Janelle Foor) Black Jr. of Croton, Ohio; and his daughter, Margi Ann (Paul) Lieurance of Marengo, Ohio. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Matthew Kelsey Black of Johnstown, Ohio; Josh (Kaleigh) Pace of Delaware, Ohio; Corey Pace of Henderson, Nevada; Kali (Chase) Cochran of Centerburg, Ohio; Annika (Jhordan) Lang of Sunbury, Ohio; Isaac Allen (Madison) Black of Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Andrew Allen Black of Etna, Ohio. He was blessed with eight great-grandchildren all girls: Chloe Luann, Sophie, Noa, Remi, Josie, Ada, Gracie, and Emma. He was preceded in death by his parents and his nine siblings, six brothers and three sisters.

A private graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Northlawn Memorial Gardens in Genoa Township. Calling hours will follow from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. at Christian Assembly, 4099 Karl Road, Columbus, Ohio, with food and fellowship beginning at 5:00 p.m. Friends and family are invited to gather and celebrate Norman’s life. Guests are encouraged to bring a written story, prayer, poem, artwork, song, or other memory that reflects what made Norman special to them. These remembrances may be placed in the memorial basket and later compiled into a binder for Leona to cherish. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Helping Hands Food Pantry at Christian Assembly.