CHARLES BLACK

1930 - 2017

Charles Marion Black Charles Marion Black passed away at home, with his family by his side, on November 4, 2017, at age 87. Born June 21, 1930 in Tacoma, WA, Chuck was the last of seven children born to Irvin and Johannah Black. He was born prematurely, weighing just under three pounds, and his incubator was the warming drawer of the kitchen range, which may have sparked his lifelong love of good food. In 1949 he graduated from Puyallup High School, where he was known for his trio, The Polka Dots, and for carrying the big bass drum in the marching band. Chuck joined the U.S. Air Force after graduation, and went on to serve for 26 years, retiring in 1976. His first assignment was to a base in England, where he met his future wife, Marina, at a Valentine's Day dance. They were together 63 years. Together they had five daughters, Eileen (1955), Cindy (1956), Amanda (1958), Linda (1961), and Dawn (1963). During his Air Force career, Chuck served in England, South Korea, Germany, several bases in the U.S., and Johnston Island in the Pacific. Following his military career, Chuck was an owner/ distributor for Mountain Man Candy in downtown Tacoma and Fife for nearly a decade. He loved to travel and was an avid photographer. He also was a man who liked to create with his hands, whether it was constructing a Christmas village modeled on his wife's home in England, doing leatherwork, or building model airplanes. He loved music all his life, and shared that love with his family. He was also a naturally gifted dancer, a talent his daughters unfortunately did not inherit. He was extraordinarily proud of all his daughters, and loved his grandchildren dearly. There were never any strangers when Chuck was around; he could strike up a conversation anywhere with anyone. Chuck is survived by his wife Marina, his daughters Cindy Muriekes (Bill), Linda Lockner (Richard), and Amanda, and four grandchildren, Kaylee, Rachael, Jake, and Dylan. A celebration of Chuck's life will be held Saturday, January 6, 2018, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m., at Panorama in Lacey, WA. Interment at Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, WA. Contributions may be made in his memory to Operation Homefront (for military families in need), or the American Diabetes Association. Please share memories at www.FuneralAlternatives.org.