Donald W. "Don" Howe, 75 of Spearfish, passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2014 at his home.

Don was born to Donald and Carrie (Kraft) Howe on October 31, 1938 in Mobridge, SD. Having a Halloween birthday allowed for a lot of jokes and pranks. He was the oldest of five children which brought many responsibilities on the family farm. He was driving and assisting the custom combine crew at a very young age. He graduated from McLaughlin High School in 1957, where he was the homecoming king and captain of the football team. Don married Marlene Dietrich on August 15, 1959. Together they lived in Mahto, ranching, farming and starting a family. In 1971, the couple and their five kids moved to Spearfish. He started driving over the road as owner/operator of three different trucks and received the distinction of driving one million miles accident free. He retired from trucking in 2003, though never did truly retire; as he drove for the Ford dealership moving cars until he became ill. Don was an active member of Knights of Columbus and volunteered at the Passion Play as a roman soldier, disciple and priest. Don was a quiet, gentle and patient man with a dry wit and strong dedication to his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Carrie Howe; and brothers, Tom Howe and Vern Howe. Survivors include his wife, Marlene Howe; children, Denise (Bob) Hill, Spearfish, Gwen (Stuart) Collins, Littleton, CO, Karmen (Mike) Smith, Castle Rock, CO, Sandra Maday, Evergreen, CO, Justin (Kimberly) Howe, Rockport, TX; seven grandchildren; brother, Charles (Dale) Howe, Mobridge; sister, Sharon (Ed) Walker, McLaughlin, SD.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 on Friday, June 27th at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with Father Kerry Prendiville presiding. Private family burial will take place at Rose Hill Cemetery in Spearfish. A memorial has been established to Hospice of Northern Hills.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Crematory Service of Spearfish.