Donald Perry Howe, 99, Spearfish, passed away on Wednesday, November 21st at David M. Dorsett Healthcare Center surrounded by his loving family.

Don was born August 3rd, 1913 in Hot Springs, SD to Merritt and Elizabeth Howe. He attended school in Hot Springs and graduated with honors from Hot Springs High School in 1930. He spent a year as writer, salesman and printer's devil for the Hot Springs Daily Star, and went on to study pre-law at the University of Colorado from 1931 to 1935. He then returned to Lead, SD where he married Elizabeth Coolidge, and they had one daughter, Jane. It was also at this time Don began his career with Homestake Mining Company as an unskilled laborer in the metallurgical department.

Don left Lead during WW II to work for the American Red Cross as a field director. He then spent several years as an enlisted man and officer in the U.S. Army Infantry serving in the European Theatre of Operations.

In 1946, Don returned to Lead to work for Homestake. It was at this time he was named public relations director. Later he became director of the services division and then public affairs director. Don produced all company internal and external publications and visual and audio advertising. He handled Homestakes' extensive scholarship programs, contribution and membership programs, and administered the Homestake tours non-profit organization. Beginning in 1949 he was a lobbyist for Homestake at the State Legislature. Don was active in innumerable organizations. His extensive community service responsibilities have included being president of: The American Red Cross, Lead Chapter; Black Hills Badlands and Lakes Association; Business Advisory Council, School of Business, University of South Dakota; Lead Civic Association and sat on the board for Blue Cross Blue Shield, The American Mining Congress, and many others. Don used to joke he belonged to every organization except the mother's club. In 1978 Don was awarded the prestigious Certificate of Meritorious Achievement by the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in recognition of outstanding service to the State of South Dakota. He retired from Homestake in 1978 and then went on to hold the position of Interim Director of Development at Black Hills State University. Don was also instrumental in helping get High Plains Western Heritage Museum off the ground. He held the position as their treasurer for eight years.

Don enjoyed many years as the emcee for the Miss South Dakota pageant in Hot Springs, SD. He always said one of the most memorable events of his career was when he was asked to accompany Miss South Dakota to the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City in 1956. And of course Don will always be remembered by family and friends for his great love of sports. He never let any of us forget his "glory days" in high school and college football, basketball and track. Don continued to follow sports and attend sporting events well into his nineties. In addition to sports, Don was a musician and played dances throughout his adult life as a drummer. During retirement he and "Squeak" could be found on Saturday nights playing at a variety of small clubs.

In 1962 Don married Kathleen "Tommy" Driskill Christensen, the love of his life. They celebrated 48 years of marriage. During retirement he and Tommy traveled and dearly loved the summers they spent together at their cabin in Spearfish Canyon. They also loved their family and boasted a combined family of four daughters, fourteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren. Don leaves four daughters: Jane Armstrong of Medera Ranch, CA; Betty Ward of Longmont, CO; Callie Heinbaugh-Houghton and Kristin Christensen both of Spearfish. Don was preceded in death by his wife, Tommy "Kathleen", his parents, and one brother.

Dad, your family salutes you for a life well lived. So here's to you!!!!!

Funeral services will be at 9:30 A.M. on Thursday, November 29, at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel. Burial will take place with full military honors by the Spearfish Honor Guard, at Black Hills National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to High Plains Western Heritage Museum, P.O. Box 524, Spearfish, SD 57783.