John (Jack) Anderson Black passed away on November 18, 2010 in Santa Barbara, California at Cottage Hospital. He was 81 years old. He was a long time resident of Lompoc, California.

He was born to Orlie and Fern (Griswold) Black on August 23, 1929 in Peru, Indiana. At age 17 he enlisted in the U. S. Air Force and retired from the military at Vandenberg Air Force Base after 20 years of honorable service to his country. He then went on to work for the Federal Electric Corporation for many years until his retirement.

He loved his family and went to many family re-unions over the years in Indiana. He took great pleasure and pride in his large family and stayed in touch with his 6 sisters and 2 brothers, always remembering them on special occasions.

He had a sharp wit and was a jack of all trades, especially in electrical and mechanical work, but there wasn't any job he was afraid to tackle.

He also was an avid bowler and golfer for many years and loved to travel to tournaments in and out of state. He made many friends throughout his life and has stayed in touch with them and always enjoyed it when they would drop by for a visit.

He was fortunate to have had two special women in his life that he loved dearly. He was married to Beatrice P. Black for 29 years and stood by her during a prolonged illness until she passed away, for which her two sons will be forever grateful.

He then met Betty Hoffman about 10 years ago and they have been together ever since. They loved to travel, to eat, watch the races together, work in their yard and to torture the immediate family by playing Mexican Train, a game we believe was invented by the Devil himself! They were truly in love and fulfilled each other's dreams and we along with Betty and John's extended family will truly miss our Jack Black.

Those still surviving among John's extended family are his siblings Ruth Grady of Peru, Indiana, Mary Hoagland of Peru, Indiana, Majorie Edwards of Mesa, Arizona, Rosetta Burns of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Patricia McIntosh of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Nancy and Dennis Norris of Twelve Mile, Indiana, Carl (Bud) and Betty Black of Kokomo, Indiana and Jerry and Glenda Black of Cantonment, Florida. There are as well numerous nieces and nephews with 5 brothers-in-law deceased. He is also survived by his two sons, Jerry Johnson and Jay and Marta Johnson and his grandson Mikell Johnson and granddaughter Kim Steele and five great-grandchildren-Tengis, Zaya, and Nara Johnson and Tyler and Carter Steele.

At John's request a simple but sweet graveside service will be provided by his family here in Lompoc and by his siblings in Indiana.

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently. Leave to thy God
to order and provide; in every change,
He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul:
thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.