FRANKLIN
Larry John Black, age 83 of Franklin, IN passed away on Sunday October 10, 2021. He was born on August 19, 1938 to William R. and Ruth M. (McKee) Black in Indianapolis, IN. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Rosalie, three children Scott (Dee) Black of Indianapolis, IN, Gregory Black of Bloomington, IN, Jill (Kevin) Scanlon of Westfield, IN and two stepdaughters Karen (Guy) Swinford of Mandeville, LA and Kathy (Dwaine) Francis of Greenwood, IN. He is also survived by twelve grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and a brother William Black of Indianapolis, IN. He was predeceased by his parents, step-son Kevin O’Rear and a sister-in-law Brookie Black.
Larry graduated from Howe High School in 1956 and Indiana Central College (University of Indianapolis) with a degree in Biology. Larry started his career at Eli Lilly in 1961 washing bottles in the production department and culminated with retirement in 1995 being the inventor of the osteoporosis drug, Evista. He was a self-taught scientist who earned an international reputation as an expert in his field through his published work and patents.
Larry was a United States Army Veteran serving in Berlin, Germany in 1958 — 1959. He was an avid fan of antique cars, owning several over his lifetime. Although he seriously pursued scientific research in his career, he always had other endeavors to fill his creative needs. He rode competition motorcycles, restored old boats and cars, designed and built unique buildings and custom furniture. At age 50, Larry was certified in scuba diving which led to adventures for him and Rosie in Central America and the West Indies.
Larry’s nephew, Adam Haganman and his granddaughter, Jamie Hopper will conduct a funeral service on Friday October 15, 2021 at 2PM at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN. The service will be live-streamed at www.swartzmortuary.com/obituary/larry-black. Please use Firefox Internet or Google Chrome for optimal viewing. Friends may call Friday October 15, 2021 from 12:00 P.M. Noon until service time at the mortuary. Burial will be at Greenlawn Cemetery in Franklin.
Memorial contributions may be made to PetElves.com.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.
