James Donald Black

September 11, 1942 - May 18, 2018

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James Donald Black, 75, passed peacefully from this life on Friday, May 18, 2018. He was born to Taylor and Mildred Black on September 11, 1942, in Abilene, Texas. Don attended Abilene schools, graduating from Abilene High School and going on to graduate from Texas Tech University. Don was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church in Wolfforth. We will gather for fellowship and remembrance from 6 to 8 PM Monday, May 21, 2018, at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers. Family and friends will gather to celebrate his life of 75 years on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at 2 p.m. at LakeRidge United Methodist Church.

Don was much admired man in the coaching world. He coached at Lubbock High, Lubbock Roosevelt, Post, and Corpus Christi Calallen before coming to Frenship in 1981. Don was Defensive Coordinator for 37 years before his retirement in 2010. In 2012 he was inducted into the Texas Coaches Association Hall of Honor.

Don is survived by his beloved wife Linda. Also surviving are his daughter Lacy Kastler and her husband Tom of Roswell, New Mexico, grandson Cody Kastler and wife Zanessa and their children Aiden, Arden, and Auburn, also of Roswell. Also surviving are his brother Bob and wife Billie Kay Black, of Marble Falls, sister-in-law Sue and husband Jim Sullivan of Abilene, and many adoring nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. Don never met a stranger and will be missed by everyone who knew him.

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Thank you Coach for your contributions to the lives of so many of us. Coach Black is one of the most approachable people I have known. A sincere and wonderful man.I know there is football in Heaven. If I go there, I want to play for you again. PeaceJesse

Lacy, Your Dad and his wonderful smile brought joy to many, many people. We feel honored to have shared some time at Bloys with him, your mom, and Billie and Bob. Indeed, he will be missed.

Don was truly "one of a kind", and one of the best men I have ever known. His smile and laughter would light up a room, and I never saw him when he wasn't smiling and/or laughing! I have such wonderful memories of he and Linda and memories I will cherish forever. Praying for peace and comfort for Linda, Lacey, and family. Love you all!

Heaven gained a great coach this week! Rest in Peace Coach Black.

My heart goes out to Coach Black's family. My kids were so fond of him. He coached my son in football at Frenship, and always treated him with respect. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Don was such a very sweet person that I was privileged to teach with at both Lubbock High School and Frenship Jr. High School. Linda is a favorite person, since I taught science next doorto her for several years. Bless her in this time of grief and bless all Don's family.

Coach Black was truly a Christian man. He was kind to every student and had passion and love that he showed everyday in what he did. He will be forever missed, and never forgotten. God know who he needs to fight these battles we face in this world. Our deepest condolences through this rough time. Prayers and peace for you Mrs. Black and your family during this difficult time.

My heart is saddened at the lost of a great coach and mentor. He will be sorely missed. My prayers to Mrs Black.

Love and prayers for your family. Coach Black touched the lives of my 2 boys. What a wonderful coach and man! He was loved by all!

Coach Black will always be one of the greatest men we have ever had the privilege of meeting. Our son Cade had the opportunity to play for him in his last season to coach. Even though he was only a sophomore, Coach Black loved him like he was his own which was something he did with everyone. You will be missed Coach, you were truly one of a kind Tommy and Tami Davis

Coach Black was an awesome coach and a truly good man. He cared for his students, his players, and everyone he came in contact with. God bless Linda and the rest of his family and close friends.

Mrs. Black, your husband was one of only a few great memories from high school for me! He truly exuded the love of Christ to me. I was so sad to hear this news. I wish I could be there for the service. I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing him with all of us at Frenship. I am praying for you and your family.

Coach Black was a wonderful man, Coach, Mentor, and Role Model.. I have many fond memories of Coach Black and he would always ask about me and my brother each time he would see my parents, Long after our time in high school. I add my prayers to Linda and the family for their loss

Linda, I am praying for you and am so very sad. I can say that Coach Black was one of the greatest men I have ever worked with and was kind to me when he didn’t have to be. What an amazing man that loved his athletes and made a difference in every single life he touched, he will be missed, but his influence and legacy will last for many years to come. Sincerely, Sara L. Hays

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.