Hartzel Lee Black, age 82 of Metropolis, Illinois was born on November 1, 1943, in Massac County, Illinois to Theodore and Edith Virginia (Smith) Black. He grew up in the New Columbia community and departed this life for his heavenly reward on April 27, 2026 at his residence surrounded by his family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the New Hope Baptist Church Family Life Center, 6804 New Columbia Road, Belknap, Illinois 62908.

Hartzel graduated from Metropolis Community High School and received his Bachelor’s degree from Murray State University, his Master’s degree from The University of Kentucky, and had several hours towards his PhD at Southern Illinois University. Both degrees were in Agriculture Education. He was an educator at both the high school and collegiate level. He then went on to become the Director of Correctional Education and operated multiple prison education programs. As his career advanced, he was promoted to Vice President of Southeastern Illinois College and was responsible for all technology and correctional programs for the college district.

After retiring from Southeastern Illinois College in 1999, he moved to Utah and went to work for Management and Training Corporation serving as their Vice President and established essential correctional programming in 20 prisons throughout the world. He wrote and developed a program called “Success for Life” which is currently used in all the Management and Training correctional facilities within the company. He strongly believed that most inmates will reenter mainstream society, and emphasized the importance of understanding the skills and support they need to thrive. His programs were designed to set them up for long-term success. During his professional career he was a member of many organizations, councils and boards including The National Employment and Training Association, The American Vocational Association, The American Correctional Association (where he served as a Delegate Assembly Member and past International President), The Regional Coalition, The Dropout Prevention and Employment for Disadvantaged Youth, and The West Central Wardens and Superintendents Association. He was a Rotarian and was also appointed by Governor Jim Edgar to serve on the Illinois Council for Vocational Education. His most recent achievement was serving as the Chairperson of the Saints Foundation Board at Shawnee Community College. His guidance and commitment helped strengthen the Foundation and expand opportunities for countless students across the region. He believed in the power of education to change lives, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that belief became a reality for others. He also served on several local elementary and secondary school boards.

Hartzel was a faithful member of The New Hope Baptist Church and the Metropolis Kiwanis Club. Riding horses was Hartzel’s passion. He rode horses all over the country and loved introducing them to his grandkids and many more. Not only did he do extensive trail riding throughout America, he was also an avid camper, belonging to the Lincoln Landers RV Club. Most importantly Hartzel was a loving husband, father, and papa, who loved his family and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Hartzel is survived by his wife of 45 years, Loralea Black; children, Sheri Donahue and husband Jeff, Jeri Miller and husband Scott, Mark Black and wife Trista, Gina Strothmann and husband Kevin, and Gay Hammond and husband Rob; 8 grandchildren, Shelbey Johnson (Kevin), Molly Donahue (Nick Frey), Jaxton Black, Whittney Strothmann, Kyle Strothmann (Brittany), Bryson Hammond (Lana), Alecia Boss (Nate), and Brad Hammond (Peyton); 12 great grandchildren; one uncle, Verl Smith; two aunts, Barbara Rohrer and Francis Goins; and several cousins and many friends.

Hartzel was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Joyce Faye Flynn and infant brother, Eugene Lavern Black.

Memorials may be made in Hartzel’s name to New Hope Baptist Church, 6804 New Columbia Road, Belknap, Illinois 62908; Kiwanis Club of Metropolis, P.O. Box 654, Metropolis, Illinois 62960; or The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741, *Memo restrict to Southern Illinois.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com