Melvin Lloyd Herra, 63, of Rapid City, passed away on Wednesday, September 28, 2016, at Rapid City Regional Hospital from complications with pneumonia.

Melvin was born on June 3, 1953, to Dean and Mary Herra of Custer, South Dakota, He had mental disabilities, making it very difficult in a regular school room situation.  Because he was unable to fit into a regular school, he went to a program for children with disabilities that was held at the Hot Springs Hospital.  He would spend the week there and come home on weekends.  He didn't like it there and would cry when it was time to go back and often times would hide somewhere hoping he would not have to go.

When he was about 13 years old, his mom and dad learned of Redfield State Hospital and School.  Arrangements were made and he was accepted there.  The family made a trip to Redfield to take him and to see the facility.  Special interest was shown to Melvin and he liked it right from the beginning.  Redfield State Hospital became his new home.  He lived there until 1980, when he transferred to Black Hills Works in Rapid City.  He lived there the remainder of his life.

Melvin learned to tap dance while at Redfield, which was a real fascination to his brothers and sister.  Some of Melvin's special interests were participating in Special Olympics, horseback riding, camping, fishing, and watching cowboy movies.  He loved trying to outdraw Matt Dillon and John Wayne.   Melvin loved spending time with his family and being around other people.  He would often ask people questions to the point and he would have to be reminded that they needed a break.  Melvin loved Jesus and liked attending church. His favorite song was "Jesus Loves Me." He became a member of the First Congregational Church of Rapid City, where he attended the last two or three years of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Mary, and a younger brother Donald.  He is survived by his sister, Gloria (Pierre) Marcoe, Custer; 5 brothers, Gordon (Erica), New Mexico; Gary, Colorado; Clifford (Deb), Idaho; Rodney (Brenda), Tennessee and Raymond, Custer; 9 nieces and nephews and many extended family members and friends.

Memorial Services will be at 1:00 pm on Friday, Feb. 3, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Black Hills Works, 3650 Range Road, Rapid City, SD 57702.