Farrel Black

Farrel Thomas Black, 96, of Hamer, passed away Saturday, November 12, 2011, at Heritage Homes of Rexburg, surrounded by family. He was born August 11, 1915 in Rupert, Idaho to Daniel E. Black and LaVinia Paskett Black. He was raised on the family farm in Rupert. He graduated from Rupert High School and continued his education at Albion State Normal School where he received his teaching certificate. His first teaching position was in Holbrook. He then taught school is Osgood and Terreton. He met Dorothy Eames in Osgood and they were married August 18, 1939, in Rupert. He was the first male teacher in Terreton. He was the Principle, bus driver and janitor. In the summers, he worked with his brother-in-law, Boone Pyle, on defense contracts. This work took he and Dorothy to Hermiston, Oregon; Edgemont, South Dakota; and Mountain Home, Idaho. They came back to Terreton each Fall to teach. He always wanted to farm, so when land became available in Terreton, he purchased the Clarence Love farm. He also had several bands of sheep. He moved his family to Hamer, Idaho in 1974, and was one of the first to raise potatoes in the fine Hamer soil. He expanded his farm and ranch with sheep and cattle. He built his lambing sheds in Hamer and grazed his sheep from Hamer to Island Park. He worked with his son, Farrel “Olie” Black, and his son-in-law, Ken Torgerson. In 1980, he sold the farm and semi–retired. He raised a beautiful garden and spent many hours fishing. He and Dorothy spent their winters in Yuma, Arizona where they enjoyed the warm weather. He became acquainted with the area farmers and found several fishing holes on the Colorado River. Each Spring they returned to Hamer. Farrel especially loved his wife, children, and grandchildren and enjoyed the time spent with them. Survivors include his children, Farrel Kay Black of Idaho Falls and Renay (Ken) Torgerson of Hamer. Grandchildren, Bonnie Wood, Dan Black, Jerry (Masami) Torgerson, Rod (Raquel) Torgerson, Michael (Heather) Torgeson, and Doug (McKensie) Torgerson; and eleven great grandchildren. His sister Kathryn (Jack) Erickson, brothers, Burt Berlin, and Keith(Polly)Berlin. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy. His parents, and his step-father, Joseph Berlin. Sisters; Nilace Perry, Faye Hymas, Leone Pyle. Brothers; Garnet Black, Lane Black, John Spencer Black, Ted Berlin and a daughter-in-law, Janet Black. The family would like to thank those who cared for Farrel in Hamer; Dorothy, Raeole, Alice , Sharon; Heritage Homes: Beth and Staff, especially John and Mary; Creekside Hospice: Kristie and Gary. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 19, 2011 at Wood Funeral Home (273 N. Ridge) with Kirk Jacobs of the Hamer Ward officiating. The family will visit with friends on Saturday from 10-10:45 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Hamer Lions, Rand Dixon, Treasurer, Hamer, ID 83425.