Don Sawvell
Don Sawvell, age 81, of Rapid City formerly of Quinn, South Dakota, died on Thursday, November 7, 2019 at his home in Rapid City.
Don Richard Sawvell was born on December 13, 1937 at the family home north of Wall, SD to Floyd and Mildred (Hildebrandt) Sawvell, joining his big sister, Cleone. He grew up working alongside his dad farming, ranching and helping to drill water wells. He rode his bicycle to the country grade school, and graduated from Wall High School in 1955. He joined the Army, but had to return to take over the family farm after his uncle Norris passed away.
Don married Marcia Anderson on June 18th, 1961. From this union they had three children, Lana, Jody, and Dale. Don was very active in the community as a member of Jaycees, the Masons, the NAJA Shrine, and a longtime member of the Wall Methodist Church and choir.
Don was a beloved friend and neighbor who was always available to help out anyone in need whether it be snow removal, equipment repair, branding, or farming. But it wasn’t all work…He loved car races. He rarely missed Sunday NASCAR, or the Friday night races in Rapid, and helped to build and maintain several local cars over the years. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, and having friends and family gather in his shop. Don restored a number of old tractors, including the entire John Deere 20 Series.
He had very dear friends from Sioux Falls who became family, friends from living at Sheridan Lake, and wintering in Arizona.
Don fought a long and brave battle with pancreatic cancer. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones on November 7, 2019.
Grateful for sharing his life are his wife, Marcia of Rapid City, Lana (Steve) Ruppert of Fayetteville, GA, Jody (Laniece) Sawvell and Dale (Jackie) Sawvell of Quinn. Grandchildren: Christin Atkins, Dakota (Joe) Porter, Casey, Kailey Rae, Camden, Kassidy, Jesse and Kyla Sawvell. Great grandchildren: Mason Atkins, Haylee and Aubree Porter.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Mildred, brothers-in-law Everett Bauer and Jim McKay, nephew Derryl McKay, and dear friends R.W. (Rip) Smith and Dean Lamb.
Memorial services with Masonic Rites will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the Wall Community Center with Pastor Russell Masartis officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial monies will be donated to the Shiner’s Hospital Transportation Fund.
Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Wall.
