Tom Black

Nov. 16, 1931 - Jan. 22, 2024
Donald Thomas Black passed away Jan. 22, 2024.  Tom was born to Sid (Highland) and Tex  Black in Neiber, Wyo., Nov. 16, 1931.  Tom’s mother died during his birth, so his earliest years were spent in Meeteetse and Shell under the care of his grandmother, Becky Highland.  
Al Metzler married Becky when Tom was 5 years old.  Together they raised Tom in Basin where he graduated from high school in 1949. Tom married Adella Boelens in 1951. He was drafted into the army in 1951 during the Korean War.  
The couple started their family while stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.  Upon discharge from military service, Tom and Del returned to Basin where his 30-year career as an electrical lineman for Big Horn Rural Electric got underway.
Tom and Del enjoyed many adventures together over their 72-year marriage. Once their children were grown, Tom discovered a passion for living and working on the Tohono O’odham reservation on the Arizona desert.  The Blacks returned to their hometown in 2007.  Tom was particularly proud of hiking to the summit of Cloud Peak at 74 years of age.
Tom is survived by his wife, Adella Black; daughters Donna (Mike) Steckel of Taylor, Neb.;  Jeri (Joel) Farber of Thermopolis, Wyo.; and Wendy (Ross) Henderson of Greybull, Wyo.; six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.