Preston Taylor Black Obituary (1962 - 2019)

Preston Taylor Black of Pleasant Grove, Utah, passed away Saturday, August 3, 2019 at the age of 56. As a steadfast son, honorable husband, and unfailing father, Preston embodied determination, faith, and Christlike love throughout his life. Preston was born to Bruce and Carol Black on October 9, 1962 in Monticello, Utah, and in this arid environment gained a lifelong love for adventure and the outdoors. He attended San Juan High School in Blanding, Utah, then Snow College (Ephraim, UT) where he studied computer science. As a computer programmer and business owner, Preston's career moved him to the Crestwood Apartments in Provo, Utah where he met his eternal companion, Janette Mendez, whom he devotedly dated for two years until their sealing in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on March 28, 1991. In their 28 years of marriage, Preston and Janette ushered eight children into mortality and taught them to love and rely upon the Gospel of Jesus Christ in whatever circumstance they might encounter. Preston's devotion to God was exemplified by the many church callings he fulfilled. At the age of 19, he served as a full-time missionary in the Columbia, South Carolina mission. Later in his life he also served in several bishoprics and more recently relished his call to be a temple worker in the Mount Timpanogos, Utah Temple, where he lovingly served for many years. The temple was near and dear to his heart and his service there exemplified his love of serving both his fellow men and his Savior, Jesus Christ, in whose arms he has now found rest. He is survived by his loving eternal companion, Janette Marie Mendez Black; his children: Skylar "Skylee Bug" Black, Hunter "Buckwheat" Black, Katarina "Sunshine" (Tarrik) Abplanalp, Parker "Parkito" Black, McKenna "Twink" Black, Carter "Scoot" Black, Cooper "Coop" Black, Brielle "Brielle-e" Black; his mother, Carol Black Jack (Rayburn); his siblings: Carol Dawn, Sylvia (Jerry), Bruce "Lyle" (Shauna), Hal "Monty" (Annette), and Clint (Kristy); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Bruce Nielson Black. A viewing will be held Thursday evening, August 8, 2019 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Olpin Family Mortuary, 494 South 300 East, Pleasant Grove, Utah. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 9, 2019 at 11:00 am at the Pleasant Grove East Stake Center, 825 Loader Drive, Pleasant Grove, Utah, with a private family viewing from 10:00 - 10:45 am. prior to the services. Interment will be in the Pleasant Grove City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com.