RAPID CITY- Alvin 'Gil' S. Gilyard, 94, passed away peacefully Friday, July 16, 2021, at Monument Health Hospice House.

Gil was born October 13, 1926, in Rapid City SD to Corinne and Alvin Gilyard.  He spent his youth between Rapid City; Groton, SD; and Cananea, Sorora, Mexico.

During WWII, Alvin served his country in the USCG Merchant Marines and Army Supply.  He went on to spend over 30 years as a member of the American Legion.

On December 7 ^th , 1947; Alvin was married to the love of his life, Mary Louise Gilyard.  Together they had five children, Sheila Pesek (Dennis Matlack), Casper, WY; Karen (Jerry) Anderson, Pinedale, WY; Pam (Cork) Fehr, Morris, MN; Dusty (Sue) Gilyard, Rapid City, SD; Tami (Tim) Vottero, Rapid City, SD.

Alvin earned his living as a brick and stone mason in the Black Hills.  He loved to go out dancing, ride through the Hills on snowmobiles, and following retirement; he enjoyed golfing with friends.  He could most often be found tinkering in his woodshop building toys and keepsakes for friends and family.   He was a great storyteller, a loyal friend, and would often tell jokes and do magic tricks with his grandkids.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and a great-grandchild.

He is survived by his children, 16 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren- all of whom he could list by name and enjoyed every moment with them.

Visitation will be 6:00-8:00pm on Wednesday, July 21 at Osheim and Schmidt Funeral Home.

Services will be at 2:00pm on Thursday, July 22, at the Funeral Home with Pastor DeAnn Eidem officiating.  Reception to follow.

Private burial will be on Friday, July 23, at Black Hills National Cemetery with full military honors by the Rushmore VFW Post 1273 and the South Dakota Army National Guard.