July 12, 1931 - May 24, 2017
John Francis Black Obituary (Age 85) Entered into rest on May 24, 2017. John was born on July 12, 1931 in Minot, N.D. to Frank and Mary Agnes Black. He spent his early years on the family farm near Foxholm, N.D. The family moved to Minot in 1939. He graduated from Minot High School in 1949, and from Minot Teachers College in 1957 where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. During the summer months, he was employed by the Great Northern Railway on one of the track gangs. He also worked with construction crews when the US Air Force Base was being built in Minot. He withdrew from college to enlist in the US Marine Corps during the Korean War. He was deployed in December 1952 and served his one year tour of duty there as an artillery man in the 11th Marine Artillery Regiment. After returning from Korea, he served the remainder of his enlistment at Camp Pendleton, CA and was discharged in 1954 with the rank of Sergeant. In 1958 he moved to Spokane, WA and married LaVonne Iverson, formally of Lignite, ND. Shortly thereafter, he joined the Old National Bank of Washington as a trainee and served as manager of several branches for 33 years until his retirement in 1992. John was a graduate of the Pacific School of Banking at the University of Washington and a member of the Shadle Lions Club where he also served as a past president. He was an active member of the American Legion, the National Rifle Association, life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 51, and the First Marine Division Association. Hunting was a great passion of Johns. He enjoyed the camaraderie with his elk hunting partners in the Blue Mountains throughout the years. John loved the many summers spent camping with his family at Sullivan Lake. He relished the opportunity to hit the open road, creating many fond memories for the family. Since 1977, the Black Family Reunions, held every four years in Bozeman, MT, were always a great time to see extended family. He loved running and entered in many fun runs and participated in the first 25 years of the Bloomsday Run. His big welcoming smile will be missed by all that knew him. John is preceded in death by his daughter, Karla; and sisters, Ruth and Rose. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, LaVonnne; daughter Laurie (Rob) Rhodes; sons, James Black and John (Leah) Black; grandchildren, Mitch Rhodes, Spencer Black, Elena Rhodes and Natalie Black; sisters, Marie Weimer of Spokane,WA, Dorothy Rostad of Bismarck, ND, and Eileen Skibicki of Bismarck, ND. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Cancer Care Northwest and Hospice of Spokane. A memorial service celebrating Johns life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at St. Augustine Church, 428 W. 19th Ave, Spokane, WA. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Hospice of Spokane, P.O. Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210. � To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of John, please visit our Tree Store. Read more Events MAY 24
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