Samuel Avila Sr. 87 of Black Hawk passed away Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital.

A funeral service will be 1:00 pm Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at the Black Hills Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Sturgis, with his son Gary Avila officiating.  Interment will follow at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, with the Sturgis Veteran's Honor Guard providing military honors.

Survivors include his wife Rose Avila of Black Hawk, sons Samuel Avila Jr. of San Jose, CA, Gary Avila of San Jose, CA, Frank Avila of Central Point, OR, Arthur Avila of Modesto, CA, Bryan Avila of Modesto, CA, Steven Avila of Black Hawk, daughter Lillian Salazar of Scottsdale, AZ, brothers Victor Avila of Phoenix, AZ, David Avila of Phoenix, AZ, Rueben Avila of Scottsdale, AZ, sisters Alice Mubante of Phoenix, AZ, Sarah Terrill of Ventura, CA, 13 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Thomas, brother John, and sister Mary.

Friends who wish may sign Samuel's online guest book at blackhillsfuneralhome.com