Clayton T. Gallup, 92, died peacefully on Friday, May 9th, in Spearfish.

Born in Spink County, SD, on June 14, 1921, to Roy and Mayme Gallup, he was a part of the "Greatest Generation". His early days were spent on the farm in Athol, SD and after graduation from Redfield High School, he went on to enlist in the Navy during WWII. He served in the Pacific aboard the USS Sturgis, a troop carrier. His ship was the second in port at Tokyo, Japan during the signing of the surrender of Japan in September of 1945.

After returning to South Dakota, Clayton married Erna Sorensen of Plankinton, SD on March 15, 1947 thereby losing his only-child status and gaining a large extended family. Clayton and Erna had two daughters.

Clayton spent many years working with his dad, and later with his longtime friend, Richard Looby, in the livestock business in Redfield. He spent the last 25 years of his working life with the Spink County ASCS. Although Clayton was a quiet man, he had a unique sense of humor, and most enjoyed his family, family vacations, special neighhbors, Milt and Violet Hansen, other friends, and a good game of golf.

He is survived by his wife, Erna, of Spearfish; brother-in-law, Elmer Sorensen of Plankinton, SD; daughters, Mary Jane (Stephen) Dawson of Morton Grove, IL and Elizabeth (Jim) Benning of Spearfish; grandchildren, Marcus (Kathy) Schmidt, Erin (Danny) Banker, Anton Dawson, Mikhail Dawson, Heidi (Kelly) Wood, James (Jessica) Benning; and great-grandchildren, Kristjan Oleson, Justin Banker, Carson Banker, Ashley Goracke, Kurtis Wood, Kelsey Wood, Solomon Benning, Sadie Benning, Seth Benning; cousins Richard (Marjorie) Gallup and Tom (Letha) Gallup of Redfield. He will also be missed by his nieces and nephews.

Graveside services, with military honors, will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 23rd at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. Memorials in Clayton's name may be sent to High Plains Western Heritage Society, 825 Heritage Drive, Spearfish, SD 57783 or to the Spearfish Veterans Monument, P. O. Box 1072, Spearfish, SD 57783

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Crematory Service of Spearfish. Online condolences may be left at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com or mailed to Erna at 540 Falcon Crest Drive #162, Spearfish, SD 57783.