Stephen Wesley Black

Stephen Wesley Black, a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, went to be with The Lord on July 5. He was 76.

Steve, the trusted patriarch of a close-knit extended family, died surrounded by loved ones. He leaves a legacy of kindness, generosity and fun.

He was born Sept. 29, 1948, in Berkeley, California. He showed an incredible mechanical aptitude as a young boy, foreshadowing a lifelong love. He once stunned his mother by dismantling her watch and then putting it back together perfectly.

Steve was popular and friendly at Richmond High School, where he excelled on the swim team and was a noted singer. It was common to see him zipping around town in his 1956 Chevy.

After graduating in 1966, he joined the Air Force. His mechanical know-how was put to use working on B-52 bombers and K-135 refueling tankers. Steve found military life very rewarding and quickly decided he was a career man.

A Vietnam veteran, he was deployed to Thailand and Guam to ready aircraft for combat missions. After 20 years of service, Steve retired and settled in Spokane, Washington. He then worked 20 years at the U.S. Postal Service before retiring once more.

Faith came first for Steve, who was saved in 1970. He met his wife, Carol, at church, and they were members of Spokane Christian Fellowship.

Steve was a gentle giant of a man, a prayer warrior who loved helping others. Every week he met with a friend who had a disability and took him out to lunch, then shopping at the commissary. Steve spread the Gospel whenever he was out and about, and he volunteered his time to share the Good News with men in prison.

His favorite Bible passage was Psalm 78:6, which emphasizes that the next generations – including children not yet born – should be taught about God so they trust Him.

The latest example of his living out this verse was June 14, when he gave a beautiful prayer at his son Mike’s wedding.

He had a few favorite sayings about faith that he shared often:

“Remember the only things that matter are you and Jesus.”

“Walk with The Lord and be a blessing to others.”

Steve was passionate about his hobbies and interests.

He loved cars and motorcycles; he spent endless hours in the garage working on his vehicles – or generously making sure cars were in good shape for his friends, neighbors, sons and grandson.

Of all his cars over the years, his baby was a maroon 1929 Ford Model A. He’d often take the kids for long drives – during which they’d gleefully honk the old-timey horn. The familiar “ah-oooo-gah” sound always sparked giggles and cheers.

He was a member of the local Model A club. Among his other favorites were “Trigger,” his ’57 Chevy; his ’52 Pontiac Chieftain; and his Indian motorcycle.

Steve was a patriot who honored his country, proudly displaying his U.S. flag in front of his house. He was active in politics for years, attending Republican events and campaign rallies. He was always happy to chat about the political news of the day.

His lifelong love of music ranged from the Beach Boys to the oldies to Bill Gaither and other Christian artists.

Steve is survived by his wife, Carol, of Spokane; daughter Lori McFarland and son-in-law John of Frisco, Texas; son Steve Burnett and daughter-in-law Sara of Everett, Washington; son Mike Black and daughter-in-law Kady of Spokane; son Chris Black of Spokane and partner Kassi Anderson; son Howard Houchens of Post Falls, Idaho; son-in-law Stephen Lynch of Prescott, Arizona and his wife Camille; and daughter-in-law Karis Levitch and her husband Jeff.

He leaves behind grandchildren Austin Black, Kailey Black, Andrew DeLano, Riley McFarland, Ben Burnett, Miranda Rose Houchens, Abby Lynch, Caleb Lynch, Emily Lynch, Paige Geissinger, Autumn Boyer, Georgia Geissinger, Harrison Geissinger and Wesley James Geissinger.

Steve is also survived by his brother, John Meyer of Walnut Creek, California, sister-in-law Sandi; and nephews Joey and Kevin.

He was preceded in death by parents Warren Black, Lucile Meyer, Melvin Meyer and grandsons Mason McFarland and Peter Geissinger.

Funeral services were set for Aug.6 at 1:30 p.m. at Valley Point Church, 714 S. Pines, Spokane Valley, 99206.