J. R. "Dick" Waldron, 91 of Spearfish, passed away on April 22, 2016 at Garden Hills Assisted Living in Spearfish.

Dick was born on July 8, 1924 in Chamberlain, SD to William and Amy (Roger) Waldron. He graduated from Chamberlain High School in 1942 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in July of 1942. After boot camp and electrical school, he was assigned to the Destroyer Escort, U.S.S. Sims. He spent 28 months escorting convoys across the Atlantic. After gyro-compass school in late 1944 he was assigned to an Escort and Rescue ship. They were ordered to the Pacific Theater and he served until his discharge in October of 1945.

Dick was united in marriage to Anita Schjulstad on May 26, 1945 in Miami, Florida. After his tour of military duty, they moved to Deadwood, SD, where they lived for 20 years. Dick worked in the Deadwood Post Office for 18 years. He then transferred to the Social Security Office in Rapid City, SD and served there for eight years. He was promoted to manager of the Cody, WY office and served there for six years.

Upon retirement in 1979, they moved to Spearfish, SD and resided there since. One of his volunteer projects that he was proud of was being able to run the local blood drive for ten years with over 2000 donations given. Dick was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Retired Federal Employees, Mended Hearts, Destroyer Escort Sailors Assn, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.

Dick is survived by his son, Michael and wife, Janel of Twin Falls, ID; daughter, Kerry Boyle of Anchorage, AK; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and brother, Dennis Fuller of Newcastle, WY. He was preceded in death by his wife, Anita in 1992; son, Marc in 2002; sisters, Joyce Ginsbach, Sheila Peterson and Patricia Stordahl and his parents.

Vigil services will be at 7:00PM on Tuesday, April 26 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Spearfish. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30AM on Wednesday, April 27 at the church. Burial will take place at 3:00 PM (CST) on Friday, April 29, 2016 Riverview Cemetery in Chamberlain, SD alongside Anita and Marc. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, 700 Terrace Heights #43 Winona, MN 55087.

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