BLACK, Donald S., died at home July 1, 2016. He was born in Creswell, Oregon July 17, 1928 to James and Alfarata Black. Don had five siblings, Allen, Harold, Ralph, Madeline and Martha. After graduating in 1950 from Oregon State College with a degree in Agronomy, he served in the Army in Korea. In 1956, he moved to Arizona to do plant research at the University of Arizona experimental farm in Mesa. Don was married to Patty J. Ryan in 1960. He received a PhD in plant genetics from University of Minnesota and conducted research on oil seed crops flax and safflower. Later he developed an interest in hydroponics, and grew tomatoes commercially in greenhouses he constructed. Don had unwavering ethics and was dependable under all circumstances. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Allen and son, Paul. Don is survived by his wife, Pat; son, Steven (Jane); daughter, Ann (Geoff); six grandchildren, Joseph, Hetty, Alyissa, James, Kohl and Izaiah and four siblings. Family will hold a private memorial.
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