Donald Ward, 84 of Spearfish, passed away on September 12, 2018.

Donald Everett Ward was born October 15, 1933 to Edna Rooth Ward and Everett Ward in Spearfish, SD.

Don graduated from Spearfish High School in 1951 and went on to attend the South Dakota School of Mines obtaining a degree in Mining Engineering while enrolled in the ROTC program. His athleticism in college resulted in Don's award as the State College Tennis Champion.

Upon graduation, Don married Betty Christensen in 1953 and joined the US Army Corp of Engineers as an Officer. He was then stationed in San Marcus, TX where he attended the Light Winged Aircraft School and went on to graduate from Helicopter School in Mineral Wells, TX. Don was stationed throughout the southeast US and later assigned to the 317 ^th Engineer Battalion in Frankfurt, Germany for three years. In 1964, Captain Ward was then assigned for a year to the Sudan Topographic Training Team where they surveyed the Nubian Desert in the Middle East for US government satellite purposes.

In 1966 Major Ward reported to the First Airborne Brigade in Vietnam where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary heroism while participating in an aerial flight extraction in total darkness, February 1967. He was honorably discharged from the US Army in 1968.

After his military service, Don joined United Airlines as a commercial pilot, retiring after 24 years of service.

Don is survived by his sister, Leatrice Edwards of Sturgis, SD, his wife, Betty, who he was married to for 65 years, three daughters, Kathleen Lunkwitz (Bill Carson), Wendy (Montie) Wilkins, Kimberly (Robert) Crossley, seven grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. This close knit, loving family spent numerous vacations together throughout Don's lifetime. Don and Betty spent their retirement years traveling the world. Don was an avid golfer and a sports enthusiast. His family and friends will always remember him for his contagious laughter, great sense of humor, unassuming nature and generous, wise spirit!

Don will be laid to rest at Black Hills National Cemetery with full military honors at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 28, 2018.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Crematory Service of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com