Richard (Dick) Cummings, 76 of Spearfish died Sunday, May 18 at home.

Dick was born September 9, 1937 in Ekalaka, MT to Paul and Gladys (Johnson) Cummings. Dick grew up on the family's Bear Lodge Ranch in northeast Wyoming. He graduated from Sundance High School in 1954.

Dick attended the University of Wyoming, graduating in 1958 with a degree in Agricultural Economics. He was a member of the Farm House fraternity. After graduating Dick served in the U.S. Army with service in Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1960.

Dick married Barbara Nolin on September 11, 1960 in Bondurant, IA. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters, Karen and Diane.

Dick earned his Master of Science degree from University of Wyoming in 1962. He pursued an advanced degree at the University of Missouri and the State University of New York at Albany. Dick taught Ag classes at Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington from 1962 to 1965, when the family moved to Spearfish. Dick taught Economics at Black Hills State University for over 30 years. He also served as the Rodeo Club advisor for more than 20 years. Dick was the first inductee into the BHSU Rodeo Hall of fame in 2011.

Dick spent his summers and many weekends ranching and farming in Wyoming near Devils Tower and at the Bear Lodge Ranch. He was a charter member and owner of Mountain Plains Bank which has evolved into First Interstate Bank.

Dick was a 50-year member of The Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Wyoming and a member of the United Church of Christ.

After their retirements in 1995, Dick and Barb traveled extensively, spending winters in Arizona and Texas and pursuing their passion of fishing by traveling to Alaska several times. Dick also spent many summer days on the Missouri River fishing for walleye. Dick devoted countless hours to his grandchildren's activities and was their biggest fan.

Dick is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barb. He also leaves behind his two daughters; Karen Gallagher and her husband Bill of Pierre and Diane Houdek of Highmore and her husband Rob of Spearfish. Dick is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: grandson Jordan Richard Houdek of Yankton, and granddaughters Rachel Houdek of Highmore, and Renee Gallagher of Pierre.

Survivors also include sisters Darlene (Don) Matthesen, Spearfish; Pauline (Darrell) Headley, Whitewood; sister-in-law Shirley Cummings, Devils Tower, WY; brother-in-law Jack (Sue) Nolin, Bondurant, IA; and nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents and brother, Charles Cummings.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 23 at the United Church of Christ in Spearfish. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.

A memorial has been established to Hospice of the Northern Hills.

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