Edward Black, Jr.

Ed Black was one of the most giving, kindest men. Quiet with gratitude, he never fished for praise, yet the world he left behind is proof he earned it a thousand times.

Ed was born on February 21st, 1937 at 1:30 a.m. in a howling sandstorm at Doctor Ryan’s Small Hospital, 200 North Big Spring, Midland, Texas. His parents were Edward Black Senior and Dorothy Black. Ed ran his own television and radio repair shop while in Midland High School, where he worked on air at KJBC and once interviewed Elvis Presley.  “Spring Fever” was the title of a short story by Ed, which was selected one of the twenty best in Texas. As a young man Ed was master counselor of the DeMolays in Midland and elected senior counselor for the West Texas area. After graduating high school, he worked for CBS seven and attended Odessa College, where he became lifelong friends with Roy Orbison, famous for Pretty Woman, Crying, and Only the Lonely. Ed graduated from McMurry University with a BBA, San Antonio College with honors as systems analyst in computers, and earned a master’s in administration and special education from Our Lady of the Lake. He was a pioneer in computer-assisted instruction in San Antonio, Texas. He worked fifteen years as transition specialist at ECISD in Odessa and held office in the Odessa Downtown Lions Club. Ed spent thirty-five years in education after working four years in professional business. Ed found the love of his life and was married to Janice, his wife of fifty-nine years. Together they built a life rooted in love and family. Both Ed and Janice were active in Walk to Emmaus, where Ed gave several talks and Janice later served as lay director for Women’s Walk number 35. Ed was the steady strength that held his family together through every heartbreak, to countless triumphs.

Edward Howard Black Junior, Ed, Dad, Grandpa, of Midland, Texas, passed away December 25th, 2025 in Midland, Texas. He is survived by his daughter, Debra Janell Hooker of Midland, Texas, and his son, Lawrence Douglas Black of Amarillo, Texas. He was preceded in death by his son, Edward Howard Black III. Ed’s grandchildren are Ethan Black and wife Madeline from Amarillo, Texas, Brooke Black from Amarillo, Texas, Hayden Hooker from Big Spring, Texas, Harley Hooker from Midland, Texas, and two great-grandchildren, Beckett Black and Sawyer Black from Amarillo, Texas.

The family will receive guests from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Midland. Funeral services will be held Monday, January 5, 2026 at twelve noon at Life Fellowship Midland, 4501 Thomason Drive, in Midland, followed by burial at Resthaven Memorial Park, 4616 North Big Spring Street, in Midland.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.

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