Funeral services for M.J. "Putt" Black, 85, of Onalaska, Texas, will be held Friday, May 20, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel in Onalaska, Texas with Rev. Dennis Hodge officiating. Interment will follow in the Magnolia Cemetery in Onalaska, Texas. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 19, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. in the Cochran Funeral Home in Onalaska, Texas.

Mr. Black was born May 26, 1930 in Onalaska, Texas to parents, Odis Elijah Black and Lou Mettie (Tate) Black, and passed away May 16, 2016 in his home in Onalaska, Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Hugh Black and Doyle Black; sisters, Billie Gladden, Juanita Black, Mary Frances Ledo, and Rachel House; grandson, Justin Cobb; and daughter-in-law, Relda Black.

Putt was a leader of Onalaska from an early age. He served on the Onalaska School Board from 1953-1973. During his tenure as President, he oversaw the first school in Polk County to integrate. While President, he also oversaw the first bond election that funded the current elementary, which upgraded it from a two-room schoolhouse.

Putt helped form the Onalaska Water Supply and served on the board for years.

He helped establish law enforcement in Onalaska as Constable, City Marshall and later as the first Chief of Police. He served a total of 28 years in Onalaska law enforcement.

He was a charter member of the Onalaska Volunteer Fire Department, as well as a charter member of the Polk County Peace Officer's Association where he served a term as President.

He was the self-proclaimed 42 champion of the world!

Putt loved his hometown and never felt the need to leave. He loved the outdoors, and was known for his hunting and fishing abilities. When asked what he wanted to be remembered for, his words were, "the love of family."

He is survived by his son, Eddy Black of Onalaska, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Clark Lott of Onalaska, Texas; son and daughter-in-law, Ricky and Tina Black of Onalaska, Texas; daughter, Renee Mastin of Livingston, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, Rhonda and Walter Woods of Livingston, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, Robin and Chris Schiele of Sanger, Texas; grandchildren, Dana Ducote, Terri Robbins, Owen Lott, Nickole Lott, Ricky Black Jr., Hunter Black, Julie Black, Samantha Teel, Annie Woods, Haden Hathorn, Madison Sory, Kaity Schiele, Nate Schiele and Kristen Schiele; great-grandchildren, Mason Barnes, Ryan Barnes, Kade Webb, Jullian Robbins, Karli Black, Trey Black, and Trip Teel; along with numerous other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers: Tommy Sheffield, Eric Culp, Jerry Wayne Cassidy, Roy Guy Newport, Dusty Ray Ogden, Shannon Smelley.

Honorary Pallbearers: Jack Tyler, Jack Rowland, Otha Stanley, Bob Stutts, Ted Everitt, Glen Goodwin, Richard Gerard.

Cochran Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at www.cochranfh.com