Velden “A” Black was suddenly called home to his Heavenly Father on October 10, 2014, in St. George, Utah. He was born on August 4, 1938, in Kanab, Utah, to Vernon Alvin and Anna Deal Robinson Black. He married Ida Luetta McAllister on June 22, 1962, in the St. George Temple

Most of his younger years were spent in Kanab, where he graduated from High School in 1956. Sports were enjoyed as he played football, basketball, and participated in track. He excelled in pole vaulting where he took 1st place in the Dixie Invitational and 4th place at the BYU Invitational. His parents were his greatest fans and supported him in all he did. From his father he gained a great love for the out-of-doors, including camping, hunting, and fly fishing. He also learned from his dad gardening, masonry, and wood working skills.

He received his associate’s degree from CSU (now SUU) and then served a mission to the West Spanish American Mission and West Mexican Mission serving for 2 1/2 years. He received his Bachelors degree from Utah State University in 1965, during the first two years he taught at Kanab High School. After teaching 4 years in Kanab and 1 year in Calexico, California, the family moved to Fredonia, Arizona in 1970 where he taught for 25 years. He received his Master’s Degree at NAU in 1973.

He served in the Town of Fredonia on the Historical Society Board and Planning and Zoning Committees.

Many enjoyable hours were spent with his children and grandchildren camping, four-wheeling, and fishing, which has become a family tradition. He especially enjoyed being with and working with his grandchildren.

He was a humble man who had a great love for the Savior. A gentle and patient man, he had love and compassion for others and tried to help lift their burdens. He served in the L.D.S. Church in many capacities including Scout Master, Scout Committee, Bishop, High Priest Group Leader, ordinance worker and Sealer in the St. George Temple, and taught several temple preparation classes. He and his wife served 3 temple missions in Santiago, Chile; Cochabamba, Bolivia; and Panama City, Panama. While in Bolivia and Panama, he also served in the temple presidencies. He was currently serving as Executive Secretary in the Fredonia Second Ward.

Velden is survived by his wife, son, V. Alan (Jennifer Ann) Black, Fredonia, AZ; and daughter, Kayleen (Tony Mitchell) Robinson, Cedar City, Utah; 10 grandchildren; Jonathan Alan (Lexi) Black; Christopher James (Kayla) Black; Kenneth Joseph Black; Douglas Velden Black; Charly Ann Black; Tina Nikole (Trevor) Brown; Tyrell Tony Robinson, Cameron Alexander Phillips; Trever Mitchell Robinson; and Kylen Boyd Robinson; siblings Gayle Stewart, Austin, Utah; Carolyn (Val) Banks, Kanab, Utah; Beverlee (Raymond) Thorson, Wellsville, Utah; and Kerry Lynn (Nancy) Black, Antelope Valley, Nevada.

He was preceded in death by his parents, twin great-grand daughters, Desiree Rose Black and Aurora Dawn Black; and brother-in-law, David Ralph Stewart.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2014, at 11:00 am (AZ time) in the Fredonia L.D.S. Chapel. There will be a viewing on Friday evening, October 17, 2014 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. (AZ time) and one hour prior to the services on Saturday. Burial will be in the Kanab City Cemetery under the direction of the Mosdell Mortuary.