Wenatchee, WA - Eugene (Gene) Black, 96, long time resident of Norman, passed away on May 7, 2025, in Wenatchee, WA, where he had recently moved to be closer to his daughter, Julie.

Gene was born on his parents' farm near Algona, IA on April 10, 1929. He was the fifth of nine children born to Cleo and (Lenora) Idele (Casler) Black. In 1948 he married the love of his life Mary I Ward. That marriage produced five children Julia, Mary Beth (who lived only 2 days), Grant, Paul and Glen.

Over the almost 76 years of that marriage they lived in Mason City, IA, Des Moines, IA, Belmond, IA, Lansing, Il, Cedar Falls, IA, Kinderhook, NY and finally Norman, OK. He also had three careers over the years. He began by helping his father on the farm. After getting married he worked for a decade as an ironworker building farm buildings in central Iowa. In 1959 he went to work for Ris Van liquid fertilizer in Belmond, beginning his second career. In 1966 he went to work in Kerr-McGee's agricultural chemical division managing several fertilizer plants on the east coast. After retiring from Kerr-McGee, he began a third career as a piano tuner in Norman and the surrounding area. He continued to tune pianos for 30 years and was joined in the business by his son Glen.

He and Mary enjoyed traveling and had visited all 50 states as well as traveling to the British Isles to visit places related to their ancestors. They also enjoyed visiting their grandchildren. They joined St. Stephen's United Methodist Church when they moved to Norman. Gene volunteered in the church in a variety of ways including caring for the church's grand piano. He enjoyed playing the guitar and banjo for his family and with his brothers.

Gene is survived by a sister Carol of Torrance, CA, his daughter Julie (Barry), his sons Grant (Diane) and Glen (Shari). He also has six grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife of 75 years, Mary, his parents, three sisters, four brothers, daughter Mary Beth, and son Paul.

A graveside service for Gene and Mary will be held in Algona, IA on July 26, 2025. Gifts in memory of Gene may be given to St Stephen's United Methodist Church in Norman.