Wesley Warren Black

Wesley Warren Black, 80, of Kansas City, Missouri, completed his earthly journey on March 8, 2024. He was born on July 5, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York at St. Mary’s Hospital. He was preceded in death by his parents Aston and Margaret Black, brother Stephen Black, his wives: Barbara Jean Carrie Lee Black and Nellie Bright, three sisters-in-law: Patricia, Dorice, and Dorothy and brothers-in-law: Nathaniel, Leonard, Bennie, Willie, Richard, father-in-law Robert Simmons, his niece Charmaine and nephew Shawn.

Wesley leaves a wonderful legacy of love with the following family members: his sister, Emily and two brothers, Ronald, and Allen all of New York, his daughter Kimiko (David) of Kansas City, Missouri his son Kenneth (Heather) of St. Charles, Missouri, granddaughters, Lauryn “Frankie” Howard of New York and Moneshia Gilmore of Kansas City, Missouri, his mother-in-law Mae Ford-Simmons and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews.

Wesley was a product of New York City public schools where he attended P.S. 9 and graduated from Boys High School in June 1961. After high school Wesley joined the United States Navy and served his country honorably until September 24, 1967, as an Electricians Mate 3rd Class. He spent most of his time as a sailor on the West coast and Southeast Asia. His last tour of duty was served on the aircraft carrier, USS Kitty Hawk.

While in the Navy, on January 22, 1965, Wesley married his longtime girlfriend, Barbara Jean Carrie Lee Ford in an intimate ceremony in Bremerton, Washington. Their 37-year union resulted in two children, Kimiko Capri born August 2, 1965, and Kenneth Allen born March 17, 1972. Wesley and Barbara were married until her passing on September 4, 2002, after her decades long battle with breast cancer.

Wesley spent his professional career in the airline industry. He worked for Trans World Airlines, which was later acquired by American Airlines, from 1967 until his retirement in 2001. He served in various positions with TWA from Ticket Agent to Scheduler starting at LaGuardia International Airport, St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Kansas City International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport. Wesley had fond memories of his years at TWA. He loved his work, considered his colleagues family, and strived to give travelers outstanding customer service.

On August 12, 2007, Wesley married Nellie Jane Bright. They met at Swope Park United Methodist Church where they were members. Shortly after marrying they moved to Nellie’s hometown of Easton, Pennsylvania where they built a life together filled with friends, family, travel adventures and church. As Nellie’s health started to fail due to complications from dementia, Wesley remained a constant in her life, visiting at least twice daily at The Gardens for Memory Care at Easton until April 2020 when his own Alzheimer’s diagnosis made it impossible to live on his own. Although separated physically during the last three years of marriage, they remained joined in love for 16 years until Nellie’s passing on January 31, 2023.

Growing up on Sterling Place, in Brooklyn, Wesley and his family were members of Duryea Presbyterian Church, where is future wife Barbara was also a member. Wesley and Barbara became active in the United Methodist Church under the leadership of their son-in-love, Rev. David A. Gilmore. Later, when Wesley and Nellie moved to Easton they joined Christ United Methodist Church, where Wesley continued his service as Lay Leader supporting the vision of Rev. Joseph Grasser. As Lay Leader he was asked to bring the Word on several occasions. He was also active in Bible Study.

Wesley started running daily in his 50’s and continued until his early 70’s. He was a fixture at the YMCA in Kansas City and Easton. He enjoyed all types of music which was reflected in his album and CD collections. He had an adventurous palate and loved sitting down to a good meal whether at home, a 5-star restaurant or a “hole in the wall”.

When he moved back to Kansas City in 2020, his daughter, Kimiko, would make sure that he was active and had a high quality of life despite living with Alzheimer’s. Wesley was always ready to go! Many of their escapades were recorded on her Facebook page tagged with #momentswithdaddy. Until the summer of 2023 the duo could be spotted at plays, concerts, sporting events, comedy shows, exploring museums, getting mani-pedis, working on puzzles or taking long walks.

Wesley was blessed with a mighty band of angels who graciously supported him in a variety of ways over the last four years and as he transitioned from the physical to the spiritual realm. Quincy Bennett, Heather Black, Joyce Elbert, David Gilmore, Moneshia Gilmore, Lauryn Howard, DeWayne and Stacey Johnson-Cosby and the Riley family: Terry, Kea, Noah, Kalvary and Eli were at his side during good and challenging times. For this Kimiko and Kenneth will be eternally grateful.

A funeral service for Wesley will be held on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Newcomer’s Floral Hills Funeral Home, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64133. A visitation will be held on the same day and location from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

Flowers and other expressions of love are appreciated. Those who are so inclined can also donate to Kansas City Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64145.