Claude Davis Smith, 81, passed away on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at Monument Health Home + Hospice House.

Claude was born on February 15, 1942, in Mobridge, South Dakota to Arthur and Hilda (Rypkema) Smith.  He lived on the family ranches north of Mobridge and subsequently near the Grand River west of Mobridge. He attended school in Mobridge where he was involved in athletics, student government, and the United Congregational Church youth group.  He was on the first wrestling team for Mobridge High and became the first Mobridge wrestler to place in a state tournament. In addition, in 2022, he was inducted into the Mobridge High School Hall of Fame.

Claude graduated from South Dakota State University. During college he took up boxing and won a State Amateur Golden Gloves boxing trophy. He enjoyed challenging himself and had an adventurous spirit.  He was an accomplished pilot, and many of those who flew with him over the years have hair-raising stories to tell.  He was also an avid snow and water skier over the years. He faced challenges head on and lived life with determination and grit.

Claude was married to Sherilyn Pier on June 13, 1965.  To that union Craig, Laurel and Kristin were born.  The family lived on their ranch near Edgemont.  In November of 1982 he married Annette Knight, and Starla Knight became his stepdaughter.  During this time, they researched and implemented Holistic Resource Management to improve their ranch and later instructed others about the practices.  Seeking a new challenge, they moved to a ranch south of Newcastle, Wyoming and transitioned from cattle to buffalo.  He was passionate about raising buffalo and sharing his knowledge with others.  He loved his ranching community and attended church and hosted Bible study while living in Wyoming.  Additionally, he volunteered his time and resources to a Christian summer camp for kids.

After selling the ranch in Wyoming, they moved to Spearfish.  Needing a new challenge and motivated by his competitive side, he joined the 500 Mile Club at the Spearfish Recreation Center, walking more than any other member that year.  He enjoyed traveling to visit his children in Japan and Arizona.  Most recently he lived with his daughter Laurel and her family in Rapid City where he enjoyed doing yard work and taking long walks.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Annette of Rapid City, his son Craig (Kathleen) of Mesa, AZ, his daughter Laurel (David) Daley of Rapid City, Kristin (Satoshi) Shitara of Japan, Starla (Charlie) Paschall of Gillette, WY as well as nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Claude's siblings include Frances Dupper of Mobridge, Charlotte Greenhalge of Rocklin, CA, Darrel (Francie) Smith of Mobridge, and Margaret (Jerry) Pier of Pierre. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Claude will be remembered with love by his family and friends.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home in Rapid City, with visitation starting at 9 a.m. The burial will be at 11:30am on Wednesday, August 16 at the Minnekahta Valley Cemetery west of Hot Springs.  A procession to the cemetery will leave Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m.