Allen E. Black

AKRON – Allen E. Black, 72, of rural Akron, passed at 11:10 a.m. Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at his residence.
Allen was born on Dec. 31, 1952, in Oceanside, Calif., to the late Gene and Margaret Hodges Black. He was a 1971 graduate of Akron High School. He then furthered his education at Lincoln Tech in Indianapolis. He married on May 12, 1973; in Walnut Church of the Brethren of Argos to Janet K. Burns; she survives.
Allen dedicated 26 years to Pierceton Trucking Company in Laketon, where he began as a diesel mechanic and rose to the position of shop foreman. During his time there, he became a proud member of the Teamsters Union. He later joined Kerlin Bus Sales, where he spent over two decades as a Road Tech handling warranty work before retiring in 2021.
A passionate train enthusiast, Allen was an active member of the Central Indiana Yard Masters, the Erie Lackawanna Railroad Historical Society, the National Model Railroad Association and the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum in North Judson. He found joy in exploring train museums and especially loved going railfanning on vacations.
He also had a deep appreciation for firearms and the camaraderie of the shooting community. As a dedicated member of the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) and the NRA, Allen traveled far and wide to participate in shooting competitions.
At heart, Allen was a big kid who embraced life with joy. One of his favorite sayings was, “To grow old is inevitable, to grow up is optional — and I choose to not use that option.” He cherished time with family and was known for his warmth, kindness and the effortless way he connected with people. His hearty, infectious laugh could fill any room.
He is survived by his wife, Janet Black, of Akron; daughter, Nichole and wife Maria Groschup-Black, of San Diego, Calif.; son, Ryan and wife Angie Black, of Akron; grandchildren: Isaac, Nathan, Austin, Cody and Conner; great-grandson, Roman; sisters, Amy Black, of Akron; and Arissa and husband Dan “Jake” Grossman, of Akron; and brother, Henry “Hank” and wife Sue Black, of Warsaw.
Allen was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Amber Black; and sister, Althea Black.
The funeral service will be held on 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 24 at Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron, with Pastor Teri White officiating. The interment will take place following the service in the Nichols Cemetery, Akron. Visitation hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 23 at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron.
Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to Beaver Dam Community Church with the memo to Wheels on Fire or to Gentiva Hospice.
Share a memory or send an online condolence at www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com.