Franklin John Black, 65, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 2, 2001 after a courageous battle with cancer.
John was born in Blanding, Utah on September 20, 1936, to Henry and Louise Black. He graduated from San Juan High School in 1954. He married Linda Martin on September 20, 1957. They are the parents of four daughters: Toni, Colleen, Lori, and Lisa. John spent most of his working life in the uranium mining industry where he opened, operated, and managed many different mines in the Blanding area. He also spent years working in various coal-mining efforts in several western states and in the fuel services industry in Southern Utah. He loved San Juan County and went to great efforts to bring industry, jobs, and visibility to the county and to Blanding in particular. He was a dedicated worker, a concerned employer, a loving husband, father and grandfather, and a friend to all. John never met a stranger and he was loved by all who had the great opportunity to know him. His cheerful greetings, positive outlook, and friendly conversation will be trademarks he will always be remembered for and his life will be an example for his family to follow.
John's family would like to thank all his friends and acquaintances who helped make his last year of life one of his best.
He is survived by his wife, Linda, Blanding, Utah; his daughters: Toni (Todd) Hurst, Blanding, Utah; Colleen (Verlyn) Hawks, Bountiful, Utah; Lori Evans, Naugatuck, Connecticut; and Lisa (Terry) Leisek, Flagstaff, Arizona; his grandchildren: Brannen, Brooke, Becky, Eric, Bethanie, Ryan, Melanie, Preston, Tyler, Melissa, Landon, andTrevor; his brothers: Joe, Oris, Iwin. John was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Henry, and his sisters Pearl Hawkins, Lauana Milner, and Nila Kartchner.
Viewings will be held Friday, October 5, from 7-9 p.m. and Saturday from 9-10 a.m. at the Blanding North Chapel. Funeral services will be Saturday, October 6, 11 a.m. at the Blanding North Chapel. Graveside services and interment will immediately follow the funeral at the Blanding City Cemetery. Goodbye John, God be with you til we meet again.