Wendell Holmes Black

Wendell H. Black, 80, passed away in the comfort of his home on May 12, 2015.  He was born at home on Sept. 29, 1934 in Inman, SC. to Diora Elizabeth Mills and Robert Lee Black.  He was the 6th out of 8 children born and his older siblings told him they found him behind the bedroom door. After graduating from high school, he entered the US Navy and served his country aboard ship for 4 years.  He then entered college in Santa Ana, CA where he studied electronics.  Soon after that he met and married Katherine Wooten and they had 2 children together.  They later divorced. He worked for Rockwell International (now The Boeing Company) for 31 years as a Test Engineer.  He retired in 1990. It was at work in 1980 that he met Sandy Carlson Combs.  She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and a mother of 2 girls.  They developed a friendship and a bond that was centered around the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Wendell's testimony continued to grow as they discussed the gospel, and he was baptized a member on September 13, 1981.  As his love for the gospel grew, so did his love for Sandy.  They were married on Sept. 11, 1982 and later were sealed in the LA Temple on May 12, 1984. He served in many callings in the Church throughout his life, but his favorite was that of an Ordinance Worker in both the LA Temple and the St. George Temple. His life was a life of service.  That is what he liked to do most of all - helping wherever and whomever he could.  He served his neighbors, community, church and family members, often anonymously, until he no longer was physically able to.  He was a member of the American Legion Post 100 in Hurricane for many years and dearly loved serving in this way. In just the past 3 years, Wendell and Sandy enjoyed bowling together, and joined the Senior League at Dixie Bowl in St. George.  There they met new friends and enjoyed this special time together. Wendell is survived by his wife, Sandy and their 4 children; Joel Black, Carrie (Larry) Ozeran, Denise (Mike) Parker, Sherri Jordan-Wiederhold (Kevin).  7 grandchildren; Megan Ozeran, Kyle (Markell) Walker, Rebecca Ozeran, Leann Parker, Rachel Parker, Sara Jordan, Andrew Jordan.  Sisters; Evangeline Lane, Alice (Robert) Wadman, Brother; Steedly Black.  He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Stanley Black; Edwin Black, Joel Waylon Black, M.D., Sister; Verona Jett. Grandson; Matthew Parker. The Black family would like to express their gratitude and love for the wonderful care given by Dr. Scott Parkinson and staff, Dixie Hospice staff and Wendell’s compassionate nurse, Kathy Swenson. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 16th, 2015 at 11:00 am at the Hurricane/Colonial Building Chapel, 658 W. 1500 S. (just off 700 W.) in Hurricane, UT. A viewing will be held prior to the funeral services from 9:30 to 10:45 am.  Interment will take place at the Hurricane City Cemetery.  Arrangements are made under the direction of Heideman Hughes Mortuary, 1037 E. 700 S., St. George, Utah, (435) 674-5000.