Charles Allen Black, resident of Pinole, California, passed away on Thursday, October 5, 2006 at his residence at the age of 59 years.

The son of the late William A. Black and Elsie Moore Black, Charles was born on December 31, 1948 in Cushing, Oklahoma.

At an early age, he moved to Pinole, California, where he lived with his uncle and aunt, Paul and Martha McQueen. He graduated from Pinole High School and then entered the U.S. Army, serving his country in Vietnam. During that conflict, he was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for bravery as well as numerous other medals and commendations. After his discharge, he returned to California and began his career as an operating engineer. He continued in this line of work until failing health forced his retirement earlier this year.

Survivors include his sister, Patsy Brown of Drumright; aunts, Mary Helen McIlroy and husband Bill and Martha McQueen and husband Paul, both of California; cousins, Matt and Chris McIlroy of California, Michael McQueen of California, Lula Mae Sawatzky of Cushing, Pete and Kathy Sawatzky of Stroud and Glenn and Sue Williams of Cushing and other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Linda Lou Black.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. in the Fairlawn Cemetery.