Ted L. "Papa" Miles, 78, of Spearfish passed away on Monday, July 28th, 2014, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota from a brief and aggressive illness.

Ted was born on November 7th, 1935, in Gettysburg, SD to Patrick and Maria (Loding) Miles. Ted married the love of his life, Darlene Darling, in December of 1962. They shared this union for 52 years on earth and eternally.

Ted was drafted into the United States Army. He completed his basic training at Ft. Carson, CO. As a Specialist 4th Class, Ted served at Ft. Bragg, NC from 1958-1960.

Ted's admiration for Ford vehicles came from his career at Ford dealerships in Sturgis and Spearfish. He spent many dedicated years making the Parts Department and his customers a priority.

Ted was a retired fireman from the Spearfish Volunteer Fire Department where he had, in the past, served as Chief. He still enjoyed going to the fire hall and making his famous "Tiger Meat" and Tom & Jerry's for the crew. Ted was a devoted member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church where he was active in the Knights of Columbus holding all offices including Grand Knight. He was instrumental in developing the Knights of Columbus fundraising breakfast, which supports many local charities. His, made-to-order, pancakes will be missed by many.

Hobbies Ted enjoyed included stained glass art, wood working projects, poker night with the guys, photography, and taking walks with his great grand kids.

Ted was a beloved member of the community and will be missed by all.

Papa Ted is survived by his loving wife, Darlene A. Miles; his daughter, Barb E. (Mike) Manke of Woodward, OK; granddaughter, Kristi (Lucky) Sutton of Spearfish; grandson, K.G. Hitson (Hannah) of Spearfish; great-grandchildren, Caitlin, Jody, Erin, and McKenna all of Spearfish; sisters, Maria Torgeson of Eau Claire, WI, Emma Bryant of Sturgis, SD, and Amanda Kaiser of Highmore, SD; along with numerous nephews, nieces, and friends. Ted was preceded in death by his parents, a sister and a brother.

Vigil services for Ted will be at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 31, 2014 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Spearfish. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, August 1, 2014 at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Great-Granddaughters' Education Fund at Black Hills Federal Credit Union under Ted Miles Memorial.

Loving husband, devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

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