Dean Franklin Black, 74, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center following a brief illness. He was born on September 24, 1951, in Galion, Ohio, to the late Charles and Evelyn (McCamman) Black.
Dean was raised in Bellville and was a 1969 graduate of Clear Fork High School. He went on to dedicate 42 years of service as a Systems Analyst with E-Z Pack.
Dean married the love of his life, Sherley “Betsy” (Eaton) Black, on December 12, 1970. Together, they shared a life filled with love, spending more than 54 years together before Betsy’s passing on March 21, 2025.
Dean had a quiet but steadfast faith and was known for living his beliefs through kindness and service to others. He faithfully attended Miracle Meetings, where he volunteered his time and talents assisting with audio and maintenance.
Dean was a man of many talents whose intelligence, creativity, and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on those who knew him. He had a natural gift for understanding how things worked and was rarely unable to find a solution to a problem. Skilled in electrical work and happiest when working with his hands, he could often be found repairing cars, woodworking, or working on a new project. He especially enjoyed sharing his knowledge with his children and grandchildren, always ready to lend a hand or help them figure things out for themselves.
He enjoyed life’s simple pleasures – planting fruit trees, tending to his garden, making homemade apple cider, and spending time outdoors. He loved gathering friends and family together for pool parties filled with laughter. He was a lifelong Mopar enthusiast who enjoyed working in the garage and caring for his pet chickens. Dean’s hardworking spirit and devotion to his family were evident in everything he did.
Left to cherish Dean’s memory are his children, Dylan (Beth) Black and Elizabeth Black; his grandchildren, Brayden (Lexi), Isaac, Trevor, and Brooklyn; his brother, Howard Black; his sisters-in-law – affectionately known by Dean as “the outlaws” – Kathy (Doug) Ludwig, Terry (Bill) Seymour, and Robin (Jeff) Dye; his chosen sons, William Dunford Jr. and Paul Salvatori; numerous beloved nieces and nephews; and his loyal K-9 companion, Sawyer.
In addition to his wife, Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Evelyn Black; his mother-in-law, Elizabeth Eaton; and his nephew, Zachary Ludwig.
Friends may call on Monday, May 18, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Gompf Funeral Service – Galion Chapel, 303 Portland Way N., Galion. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Les Wenger. Burial will follow at Iberia Cemetery.
A fellowship meal will follow the burial at Open Arms, 8372 State Route 61, Galion, Ohio.
Those wishing to share a memory of Dean or send condolences to the Black family may do so by visiting www.masfh.com.
The Gompf Funeral Service – Galion Chapel, 303 Portland Way N., Galion is honored to serve the family of Dean Franklin Black.
Funeral Home: Gompf Funeral Service – Galion Chapel
Website: www.masfh.com