Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, dog dad, gardener and friend Kenneth Lee Black, age 81, returned home to his earthly and heavenly parents on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. He was born on February 28, 1942, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Woodrow W. Black and Afton May Mines. He lived more than 70 years in the same neighborhood in Murray, growing up in one home and later purchasing a home around the corner where he raised his family. He attended Liberty and Arlington elementary schools, Murray Junior High School and Murray High School. In high school he was a Crest Award winner, active in student government, and played football, baseball and basketball. Ken received a scholarship to play basketball at Dixie Junior College and went on to complete bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of Utah. He then went on to spend more than 33 years influencing the lives of young people as a teacher and coach at Hillcrest Jr. High, Union Middle School and Alta High School. After retiring from teaching, he spent another 10 years working at Founder's Title.

Ken's greatest joy in life was his family. He was a devoted husband and was married to his first wife Linda Ruesch for more than 25 years and his second wife Deborah Skadal for more than 32 years. He was a supportive and encouraging father and stepfather to nine children. He cherished his role as grandpa to his 17 amazing grandchildren.

Ken was an active and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a mission in the West Central States Mission and throughout his life had many callings and provided countless hours of service, including spending more than 20 years as an ordinance worker in the Jordan River Temple.

Ken loved basketball, gardening, theater and travel. He worked hard, played hard, and lived life to the fullest. Ken was loved by all that ever met him, and he touched many lives through his church callings, coaching students, sharing the bounty of his garden at his annual Garden Party, and connecting with neighbors as he dutifully walked his dogs every day.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Linda, and grandson Alan Joseph (A.J.) He is survived by his second wife Deborah and nine children: Russell (Joie) Black, Andy (Terrile) Black, Dean (Shauna) Black, Katee Black, Monte (April) Black, Chelsey Butchereit, Cailey (Kyle) Strain, Colby Butchereit and Casey Butchereit. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren: Alyssa (Brigham), Derek, Kenneth (Mary), Tanner, Terran, Trina, Bryce, Brenna, Trevor (Cozette), Rachel, Abigail, Ashton, Amelia, Frazier, Martin, Ivie, Carter and Leo. He is also survived by five siblings: Roger (Kathleen) Black, Dave (Eunice) Black, Sharlet (Robert) Malinsky, Joseph (Kathy Jo) Black and Shirley Oberg.

A graveside service will be held at Memorial Mountain View Mortuary & Cemetery, 3115 E. 7800 South on June 16, 2023, at 11 a.m. The family would like to extend love and appreciation to Applegate Hospice for their care and service. Online condolences at Memorialutah.com.