Donald Dale Easton, 82, passed away on June 27th at his home in Rapid City. Don was born on May 11, 1941 to Dale and Angela Easton in Wessington Springs, SD.  He was the second oldest of six children.

Following graduation in December 1960, he worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company as well as other dial conversions.  In December of 1962, Don joined the National Guard and attended basic training in Ft. Ord, CA.  Once he completed basic training, he returned to South Dakota to serve in the 200th Float Engineering Company and the 153rd Engineering Company in Wessington Springs at which time he started his full-time career with the SD National Guard.

He was united in marriage to Sharon Grabinski at the Methodist Church in Wessington Springs August 27, 1963.  Don and Sharon were blessed with three children, Kip, Kristy, and Kirk.  In 1976, they moved to Edgemont, SD where he became a partner with his brother Roger in Edgemont Lumber Company.  Don and Roger owned the lumberyard and operated a construction company until 1984.  At this point, Don returned to full time status with the SD National Guard in Custer.  Don served with three different bridge companies and spent time in both Germany and Panama.  After 32 years of service, he retired from the 200th Engineer Company based in Pierre in May of 2000.

Through the years Don was active in the Chamber of Commerce, a volunteer fireman, city council, United Methodist Church board of trustees, and the Viborg American Legion. Don was a co-designer and oversaw the construction of the Daneville Viborg Museum.

Don cherished every moment he spent with his family, especially his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  He loved fishing, camping, playing cards, and riding horses.  For his 80th birthday he was granted a birthday wish of riding a mule.  He also very much enjoyed pickled herring, sour cream raison pie, and McDonald's caramel frappes (floppies).

Survived by his loving wife Sharon of 60 years, Don leaves behind a legacy cherished by his children: son Kip (Lois) Easton, daughter Kristy (Rick) Baker, and son Kirk (Jacky) Easton. He was also blessed with six grandchildren – Brandon (Jordan), Jade (Aaron), Chase, Tennison (Brianna), Brent, and Kenni - as well as two great-grandchildren, Trevin and Jackson with another on the way.  Don's memory will forever be treasured by his brother Roger (Janet) Easton, sister Sharon (Ron) Goergen, brother Richard (Linda) Easton, and many extended family and friends. Sadly, he was preceded in death by his parents Dale and Angela Easton, sister Karen Easton, brother Craig Easton, and granddaughter Tasha Easton.

The loss of Don leaves a void in the lives of his family and all of those who had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his determination, kindness, wise words, strong work ethic, and grit.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Basham Funeral Service in Wessington Springs, SD.  Friends and family are invited to a prayer service on Thursday, July 6th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. CT at Basham Funeral Services, and the funeral service on Friday, July 7th at 2:00 p.m. CT at the United Methodist Church in Wessington Springs.   Cards may be sent to 2620 Holiday Lane Estates, Apt. 209, Rapid City, SD, 57702.  A memorial is being established.