Vernon L. Black, Sr., 70, of Thomasville and formerly of the Franklin area, passed away suddenly on May 18, 2015, at York Hospital.

He was the loving husband of Rebecca Ann (Young) Black; together they shared over 49 years of marriage.

Vernon was born in Clinton Township, Venango County on March 24, 1945, and was the son of the late Paul D. and Mae E. (Carner) Black. He graduated from Victory Joint High School in Clintonville Class of 1963.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Viet Nam War and was honorably discharged.

He was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary at Lake Clark, Committee Chair for Boy Scout Troop 30, President of South Central Outdoors for Youth, the American Legion, Harvest of Hope Food Pantry and St. Peter Lischey’s United Church of Christ in Spring Grove.

He also enjoyed Sprint Car Racing, fishing and hunting.

In addition to his wife Rebecca, he is survived by his sons, Vernon L. Black Jr. of Pittsburgh and Darin S. Black and his wife Delia of Gettysburg; and his grandchildren, Natalie, Maggie and Raphael Black. He is also survived by his brother, Don Black of West Virginia; and his sister, Vickie Clark of Utica ; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Sonny and Frank Black; and his sister Gail Krepp.

A funeral service in celebration of his life will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at St. Peter Lischey’s United Church of Christ, 5761 Lischey’s Church Road, Spring Grove, with the Rev. Robert Bistline officiating.

Interment will be held privately.

A viewing will be held on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at of Irwin-Beck Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc., 175 N. Main St., Spring Grove, and on Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church.

Locally, a Celebration of Life will be held 6-8 p.m. Friday at Grace United Methodist Church of Rocky Grove at 350 Front Street in Franklin. Friends and family will be recieved from 6:00 — 7:30 p.m., with the service beginning at 7:35 p.m.