Walter "Sonny" Herbert Black Jr., 83, of Tuttle, went to his heavenly home on Friday, December 5, 2025, from his earthly home, with his wife by his side.

Walter was born in Oklahoma City on November 26, 1942 to Walter Sr. and Ruth Helen (Driscoll) Black.  As a young boy, Walter enjoyed music and everything outdoors–especially hunting and fishing–as well as spending time with his family and friends.

In high school, Sonny was a member of the Capitol Hill High School Swing Band where he played the slide trombone. In 1960, Walter graduated from Capitol Hill High School.

After graduation, Walter went on to complete some college credits before moving to Salt Lake City, Utah for work. He stayed in a long distance relationship with his high school sweetheart, Linda Jo Shelton. In 1962, Walter and Linda were married in Salt Lake City. They were blessed with the oldest of their three children, Charles Allen "Chip" in May of 1963. After Chip was born, they wanted to be closer to family and returned home to Oklahoma City in 1964. Walter found employment with the Oklahoma City Fire Department and they were blessed with a daughter, Cynthia Ann "Cindy" in July of the same year. Their youngest son, Christopher Anthony "Chris" in November of 1968. Walter was a wonderful husband and father who worked hard to provide

for his family.

Walter found his calling as a member of the Oklahoma City Fire Department. His strong work ethic, courage, and bravery in all situations served him well. He quickly earned the respect and admiration of his peers. Walter was promoted quickly through the ranks and achieved the rank of Major prior to retiring in 1999. Walter was well liked and respected by his crew. While he received several commendations and awards throughout his career, Walter was always proudest of the admiration he received from the men and women that served with him. Walter served the citizens of Oklahoma City with a servant's heart and made sure the men and women with him did the same. Walter was a hardworking and truly devoted firefighter in every sense of

the word, pouring his heart into serving and safeguarding his community. After Walter retired from Station 19–Blue shift–as a major in 1999, he continued to remain close with many of his co-workers and thoroughly enjoyed sharing stories about his experiences as a firefighter.

When Walter was not at the fire station he excelled in residential construction. His skills ranged from roofing houses, remodels, and new construction. When he wasn't working to support his family, he found joy in cheering on his children—and later his grandchildren—in all their activities over the years. He also cherished traveling and making memories with his wife, Linda. Walter was an avid outdoorsman. He was passionate about hunting and fishing with both family and friends. Many cherished memories were made at the family lake house on Lake Eufaula.

He will always be remembered for his deep love of family and the meaningful time he spent with them; as well as for his valiant and selfless service to his community as a firefighter. Walter's earthly life came to an end and he will be deeply missed. But his legacy and memory will live on through his family and through the lives he touched during his time here. His family rejoices in knowing that he is again walking the streets of gold in heaven with his oldest son and is no longer in pain here in this life.

He was preceded in death by his:

Parents ~ Walter and Ruth Black

Son ~ Charles Alan "Chip" Black

Granddaughter ~ Nicole Black

Sister ~ Janet Head

He is survived by his:

Wife ~ Linda Jo Black

Son ~ Chris Black and his wife, Shelly Black

Daughter ~ Cindy Bowman and her husband, Jerry "Bo" Bowman

Daughter-in-law ~ Dana Black

Sister ~ Beverly Baker

Sister ~ LaNita "Susie" Anderson and her husband, Kenneth

Brother ~ Danny Black

Brother ~ Jerry Black

Brother ~ Donnie Black and his wife, Linda

Grandson ~ Cody Black and his wife, Shawnda Black

Grandson ~ Christopher Black

Grandson ~ Dustin Miller and his wife, Trish

Granddaughter ~ Christen Bates and her husband, Michael Bates

Granddaughter ~ Shay Carrao

Granddaughter ~ Shavon Donothan

Granddaughter ~ Sharise Mahieu and her husband, Jason

Granddaughter ~ Chelcie Black

Granddaughter ~ Shelbie Wynne and her husband, Captain Jimmy Wynne, USMC

Granddaughter ~ Amber Wooten and her husband, Josh

Great Grandchildren ~ Cameron Black, Amberly Tsoulogiannis, Carter Hansen, Sky Miller, Keagan Black, Karsyn Black, Silas Black, Jaxon Bowman, Vivianna Carrao, Cindy Donothan, Evelyn Mahieu, Amelia Mahieu, Sloane Wynne, Mason Wooten, Ayden Wooten, Addylynn Wooten, Kambry Wooten, and Sadiegh Wooten

As well as a host of nieces, nephews other loving family and countless friends.