Black Hawk - Steven Paul Avila, 52 of Blawk Hawk, died Tuesday, July 31, 2012, in the presence of his wife Charlotte and good friend Konnie at his home in Black Hawk. Born September 17, 1959 to Samuel and Rose Avila in Sunnyville, CA Steve graduated from Corning Union High School, Corning, CA in 1977. Extremely proud of his father's military service during World War II Steve followed in his footsteps by joining the United States Air Force at the age of 17. Working as a transporter for 20 years, he held among others, the positions of Base Command Vehicle Operator Trainer Instructor at F. E. Warren AFB, WY; Vehicle Control Officer and Fleet manager of a 12.1 million dollar heavy construction fleet consisting of 230 vehicles for the 820th RED HORSE Civil Engineering Squadron at Nellis AFB, NV; and ending his illustrious career as the Vehicle Operations Dispatch Support Supervisor of 93 military and German National employees at Ramstien AB, Germany. After receiving numerous decorations and awards, Steve retired from the Air Force in 1997; he continued to be a part of the military community working as a recreational director at RAF Alconbury, United Kingdom, prior to moving to Black Hawk in 2001. Avid sports fan Steve enjoyed everything from bowling and golf, to paintball and white water rafting. Motorcycle riding, shuffleboard, fishing, darts, and softball were other hobbies he enjoyed. He was the continual optimist when it came to his St Louis Rams and was excited when his Los Angeles Dodgers came under new ownership. His children brought joy and a special light to his life. Steve was outgoing and always full of energy. He had a way of making people laugh and feel special, with a kind word and the ability to listen to others. Steve is survived by his mother Rose Avila, Modesto, CA; his wife Charlotte Avial; children Michael (Sharon) Avila, Bunkerville, NV; Johnathen Avila, Salt Lake City, UT and Christina (Tyler) Hill, St George, UT, Grandchildren Tyler, Cassadee, Ada Lyn and Emma Avila of Bunkerville, NV and Tana May Hill of St George UT, five brothers and a sister. He was preceded in death by his father, Samuel Avila and a brother, Thomas Avila. Funeral Service will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday, August 10, 2012 with a visitation one hour prior at the Black Hills Funeral Home in Sturgis with Chaplain (Ret) Herbert B. Cleveland officiating. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with military honors conducted by the Ellsworth Air Force Base Honor Guard. "You know a person was more than special when, in their passing, you can only remember all the times they made you laugh." "He could really make me laugh. He will be missed." "We always liked Steve. He was good for a lot of laughs. really appreciated Steve." "He always took time to talk with me about whatever, football, cars, lifeeven if it was over a smoke." "Good memories! He was a good man, he really cared about you! Happy to have known him! Gonna miss him!"