Thomas Andrew Black entered into the presence of God on Monday, February 26, 2024, at the age of 74, in San Antonio, Florida. Thom Black was born on April 17, 1949, in Albion, Indiana. Thom was the youngest of three children born to John and Maureen (Olinghouse) Black of Albion, Noble County, Indiana. Thom graduated from Taylor University (Upland, Indiana), where he also met his wife, Kathleen. For much of his professional life, Thom worked in corporate sales for various telecommunication companies, where he was awarded for his sales performance. In 2003, Thom transitioned from corporate work and pursued seminary studies, earning both Masters and Doctorate degrees from Bethel Seminary (St. Paul, Minnesota). He served as a pastor at First Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Bethany Evangelical Covenant Church in Stillwater, Minnesota. He also taught Bible, theology, and philosophy classes as an adjunct professor at the University of Northwestern -- St. Paul. In addition, he presented at several academic conferences. Dr. Blacks students remember him as an incredible professor who brought his kindness into the classroom by caring about his students and their faith. Many students commented that he was one of their favorite professors thoughtful and intelligent, a great man of God. On June 23, 1973, Thom married the love of his life, Kathleen Kiel of Minneapolis, Minnesota. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family gatherings and anniversary vacations. Throughout their marriage, Thom and Kathleen had a loving, supportive relationship with each other and a tightly-held relationship with God. Together, he and Kathleen taught many years of adult Sunday School. Thom could regularly be found with Bible open, highlighter and pen in hand, preparing for something to teach or share. Thom also served on elder boards at church, taught mens Bible studies, and led small group Bible studies. Thom and Kathleen loved to travel, including leading several trips to Europe for college students. A legacy of family vacations was established as their family spent many summer weekends "at the lake" and traveled to many places with their children while they were growing up. Thom and Kathleen lived much of their married life in the suburbs of the Twin Cities, Minnesota. In retirement, Thom and Kathleen lived in San Antonio, Florida. Thom was also a father to two, grandfather to eight, and great-grandfather to two. He was an encourager to his children, sharing things that he saw God doing and watching countless hours of their athletic competitions, band concerts, drama performances, and Bible quiz meets. Thom and his children loved spending hours playing sports together, and he coached youth basketball for both his childrens teams and for local schools. He was also very involved with the next generation, his grandchildren. Thom cheered-on his sports-active grandchildren throughout both Minnesota and Florida. With Kathleen, he also created summer learning experiences (Oma/Opa Summer Institute of Learning - OOSIL) for his Florida grandsons, taking them on field trips and directing their learning on a variety of topics. Thom valued hard work, had a love of learning, and had an affinity for competition, all of which he sought to impart to his children and grandchildren. "I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7 Thom is survived by his wife Kathleen and by daughter Heidi (Kristofor) Erickson of Foreston, Minnesota, and son Peter (Rebecca) Black of Wesley Chapel, Florida; eight grandchildren -- Jeson Erickson, Anderson Erickson , Gibbie (Leheca) Erickson, Joselito Erickson, Cherramae Erickson, Anton Erickson, Adam Black, and David Black; two great-grandchildren -- Flynn Erickson and Galaxie Erickson; two sisters -- Judith (Chuck) Cox of Indiana; and Elizabeth Firestone of Indiana; and sisters-in-law Susan (David) Hall of Poneto, Indiana, and Beverly (LaWayne) Rogness of Fergus Falls, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his infant son Adam Thomas Black. Memorial events will occur on Sunday, April 14, at 2:00 p.m. in the Community Center of the Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club, San Antonio, Florida, and at a date to be determined in the summer in Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Childrens Shelter of Cebu (cebushelter.org). Memorial Service Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club Community Center Sunday, April 14, 2024 2:00 PM 11245 Old Tampa Bay Dr San Antonio, FL 33576