LIVERMORE – Charles Merlyn Black, 71, of Livermore, died Aug. 19, 2008.

He was born Sept. 17, 1936 in Prairie City. He was the only son of the late Charles and Lola Black of Mt. Vernon, where the family ranched.

After graduating from Mt. Vernon High School in 1955, he attended Oregon Technology Institute. He was recruited to work as a machinist for Livermore National Laboratory. After a 39 1/2-year career there, he retired in 1996.

He has been associated with the Masonic Lodge #218 in Livermore for many years, serving as Master in 1973.

He leaves two sons, Dennis Ray Black and Kevin Lewis Black, both of Livermore; a daughter, Julie Black Larson, of Galt, Calif.; two grandsons, Derek Larson and Andy Black; and one favorite granddaughter, Sarah Larson.

In 1989, he married Donna Chapman and enjoyed many wonderful retirement years traveling with friends and family. His extended family includes son-in-law, Greg Larson; stepdaughter, Dawn (Greg) Taylor; stepson, Jere Chapman, stepgranddaughters, Shannon (Jeff) Rybczynski and Amy (Glenn) Sutterfield.

Graveside services will be held at Canyon City Cemetery at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, with Andy Anderson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Hospice, 6500 Dublin Blvd., Dublin, CA, 94566, or to the Youth Scholarship fund of Trinity Baptist Church, 557 Olivinia Ave., Livermore, CA 94551.