Herbert Black

Herbert Hopwood Black, age 96, of Holland, MI. and Palm Coast, Florida died Tuesday May 6, 2008 at Holland Hospital.

Mr. Black was born in Uniontown PA in 1911, graduated from General Motors Institute of Technology with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1933. He worked for General Motors in Detroit and Grand Rapids for over 40 years, retiring as Chief Engineer at GM Diesel in Grand Rapids in 1976. He lived on Lakeshore Drive in Holland from 1961-1984.

He was married to Dena Ranck from Columbus, Ohio from 1934 until her death in 1978. Their son Herbert Newton died in 1989. Mr. Black was married to Dorothy Gleason from 1979 until her death in 1995.

The son of early American pioneers from England-William Black and Anna Burnham. Mr. Black loved America and was proud of his ancestors who served in the American Revolution, including his great, great, great, grandfather John Hopwood, who was the aide-de-camp to General George Washington. After the Revolution John Hopwood established the town of Hopwood Pennsylvania.

Mr. Black is survived by his daughter Deanna (Tom) DePree of Holland, three grandchildren Dana(Derek) Minter of Holland , Dori DePree of Saugatuck and Hopwood DePree of Los Angeles and Holland; and one great granddaughter Jetsen Black Minter.

Private family services will be held at Lakewood Cemetery in Holland, MI.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Children’s Scholarship Fund at Deanna’s Playhouse, 11172 Adams St., Holland, MI. 49423.

Arrangements by Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, Inc., Northwood Chapel. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to sign his online guestbook, leave a memory or upload a photo of Herbert.