William E. "Bill" Anderson, 81, Spearfish, SD, died on Tuesday, July 22, 2014.

Bill was born on July 23, 1932 to Edward M. and Muriel R. (Lewison) Anderson at Elk Point, SD and was the elder of two children born to that union. While growing up, his family moved throughout the northern plains providing him with many stories and fond recollections. He said when he attended USD he knew most of the student body as he had met them through the many schools he had attended.

Bill attended the University of South Dakota and earned his Doctorate in Law in 1954. While at USD, he enrolled in ROTC and received his commission in the United States Army. Upon graduation, he served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1958.

He married Elizabeth J. "Betty" Smiley in 1953 while at USD, and they moved to Belle Fourche in 1958 where he started his law practice. During this time they established their home west of Belle Fourche where they raised 4 sons: Robert Michael, William Blaine, Christopher John and Eric Edward.

Bill enjoyed the lively pace that comes with a house full of boys and took pride in working in the yard, digging out of the occasional blizzard and making sure that all the lights were turned of when not in use by saying "hit the lights".

Bill married Linda R. Reis in 1988 and became stepfather to Rachelle Reis. They made their home in Spearfish and continued their careers. Bill and Linda often enjoyed road trips to visit grandchildren and family and tour points of interest along the way.

During his practice, Bill served as Butte County States Attorney, Belle Fourche School Board attorney, founding board member of Northern Hills Attention Center, founding board member of CASA of the Northern Hills, board member of Western South Dakota Child Protection Council, member of the Butte County Child Protection Team as well serving on the Lawrence County Housing Commission.

His love for playing the drums, motorcycles, storytelling, history and reading would provide a platform for countless adventures exploring, and sharing what he had learned. There was never a trip, short or long, when he was not able to recount a significant historical event at a particular location along the route.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; step-daughter, Rachelle and her husband Derek Reis-Larson and their children Leo, Evelyn and Crosby of Beacon, NY; sons, Robert Michael of Piedmont and his daughter, Amanda; Wm. Blaine and his wife Colleen and their children, Alex and Kathryn of Belle Fourche; Christopher John and his wife Autumn and their children, Mitchell and Brett of Rosemount, MN; Eric Edward and his wife Amanda and their children, Liam, Erica and Cooper of Mount Olive, New Jersey, as well as three great grandchildren and other extended family.

Services will be held at the First Congregational/UCC Church at 717 Jackson Street, Belle Fourche, SD on Monday, July 28 at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials for Bill may be directed to the Western SD Child Protection Council.

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