Michael Don Black

Michael (Mike) Don Black, age 72, returned home unexpectedly to his loving Heavenly Father early on October 4, 2025. He was born in Ogden, Utah on June 17, 1953 to Don Maurice and Doris Weenig Black. Mike spent his growing up years in Utah, Idaho & California. He graduated from Vista High School in California. During his teenage years he played many different sports including wrestling and basketball. Following High School, Mike served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Texas North Mission. After his mission, he graduated from Utah State University.
Mike married the love of his life, Paulette Jeffs, on August 1, 1975 in the Salt Lake Temple and recently just celebrated 50 years of wonderful marriage surrounded by family. Together they have 4 beautiful children, Heather Mae Taylor (Doug), Christopher Michael Black (Kelsie McCue), Cameron Roger Black (Jenny Womack), and Sarah Ruth Noftle (Marcus). Mike has been blessed with 16 grandchildren, Cole (Katelyn), Ashley (Brayden), Cayden (Tylee), Bryson (Mauri), Emma (Caleb), Breeana (Caden) Mason, Kinley, Caleb, Taylee, Cadence, Carson, Eliana, Capri, Alora, and Maverick. Along with 4 great grandchildren, Mila, Hazel, Collyns and Brooks. Mike's family was his pride and joy. You could find him always showing off pictures and videos of his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. He never let them leave his presence without them knowing how much he loved them and how proud he was of them.
Mike spent his career serving in Higher Education Administration in many different capacities and at several institutions. He began his career as the Athletic Trainer and Housing Director at Snow College, in Ephraim Utah, where they won the football National Championship in 1985. Mike also worked as a volunteer ambulance EMT where he developed a love for the medical field and the study of human anatomy-it was a passion and interest throughout his life.
Following Mike's time at Snow College, he worked for Western New Mexico in Silver City, as the Housing Director and Athletic Trainer. From there, Mike was hired at Mesa State College, in Grand Junction, Colorado, working as the Housing Director and Vice President of Student Affairs. Following this, his career advanced as he took his family back to Utah and served as the Housing Director at Utah State University.
The pinnacle of Mike's career was serving as the Assistant Vice President and Executive Director of Housing at Georgia Tech University, where he transformed the Olympic village into GA Tech student housing, a highlight of his tenure. Mike retired from Georgia Tech University in 2018.
Upon retirement, Mike and his wife settled in Star Valley Wyoming. They both had been coming here for 40+ years and finally made it home. He could always be found on the golf course on a sunny day. He loved every type of sport, especially basketball. He was an avid skier and served on the National Ski Patrol. He could keep up on the slopes even with his youngest grandchild. Mike had a great sense of humor. He was witty and was always ready for a comeback. He was a peacemaker in his family and among his friends always leading by example. He loved little children and always found a way to make them smile. Some of his favorite activities include playing games around the dinner table late at night, laughing and joking with his family. He loved playing in golf tournaments, especially the yearly Black Family golf tournament. His team won this year's tournament proving to everyone he still had it. His faith and testimony of Jesus Christ was always at the center of everything he did.
Mike was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He served in many different capacities throughout the years from being a primary teacher to bishop to high counselor. He was very active in his faith and lived his life following Jesus Christ's example. He was always aware of those around him and looked for opportunities to serve and lift others.
Mike is survived by his beautiful wife, Paulette, of 50 years; his four children, 16 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. Along with his siblings, Linda Black, Barbara Black, Susan Black-Stras (Sy), Mark Black and Brian Black and many nieces and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his parents Don and Doris Black, his sister Cindy Black and his nephew Milo.
Funeral Services will be held October 11, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Chapel in Freedom, Wyoming (1556 WY-239 Freedom, WY). A viewing will be held the night before on October 10, 2025 from 6-8pm. A second viewing will be held October 11 at 9am to 10am. The funeral will begin at 10:15am.
Though Mike is no longer with us in the flesh, his spirit remains close in every memory, every act of love, and every expression of faith he inspired. As the Apostle Paul wrote, "For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit." May we honor his steadfast faith in Christ by walking forward with the same strength and devotion Mike lived every day. His earthly work is done and he is home.