Claude Wesley Black, age 87 of Salem, passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2020 at his home. Claude was born on September 2, 1932 in rural Patoka, the son of John Wesley and Beatrice Lovell (Meyer) Black. He married Dorothy Roberta Crist on July 4, 1952 in Corinth, Mississippi and she survives in Salem. In addition to his wife, Dorothy Black, he is survived by four children, Claudia Lee and husband Steven of Mesquite, TX, Michael Black and wife Lisa of Benton, Carol Holst and husband Robert of Centralia and Alan Black and wife Lynne of Stanwood, Washington; twelve grandchildren, Stephanie (Lee) Campbell and husband Keri, Kevin Lee and wife Veronica, Chad Black and wife Amy of Mt. Vernon, Kelly Black, Emily (Black) Cook and husband Eric, Casey (Black) Foist, Alyssa (Black) Jonson and husband Nick, Colin Black, Hannah Forby, Kristi Blackman, Dena McCullaugh and Shannon Simon and husband Bryan; one granddaughter adopted in his heart, Amy Jones and children; 17 great-grandchildren; one brother, Floyde Black and wife Kathryn of Mt. Vernon; one sister, Freda Donoho of Salem and one sister-in-law, Katherine Black of Salem. Mr. Black was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Anna Osborne, Lovell Stonecipher and Lula Mae Neilson; one brother, Maurice Black; one grandson, Mark Lee; one great-granddaughter, Naomi Campbell and four brothers-in-law, Kenneth Neilson, Warren Osborne, Haney Stonecipher and Louie Donoho. Claude was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. He was a Sunday School Teacher and had served on numerous committees in the Church. He has been employed at Jiffy Packaging/Sealed Air Corporation for over 44 years serving as Traffic Manager and later as Production Manager before retiring in December of 1996. He served as Tonti Township Clerk for 23 years. Claude served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was a member of the American Legion. Claude lived in Marion County his entire life with the exception of time in the military. He attended Chance School and Kinmundy High School, from which he graduated with the class of 1950. A private family service will be held with burial in Paradise Cemetery. A public Memorial Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute to Trinity United Methodist Church or the donor’s choice and can be left at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem who is in charge of arrangements.