Richard “Dick” J. Hadlock
Richard “Dick” J. Hadlock was born January 22, 1931, in Simsbury, Connecticut, the son of Erwin and Althea (Parsons) Hadlock. He came to South Dakota in 1948 with his parents and younger brother, Raymond. Dick was educated in Massa- chusetts and received his GED in South Dakota.
On September 15, 1956, he married the love of his life, Gailia Wenzel, at Custer, SD. To this union two children were born, Michael Ray and Melody Kay. How Dick treasured and loved his family.
Dick joined the US Air Force and served from 1951-1955. He was stationed two and a half years at Tachikawa AFB in Japan, during the Korean War; he served as first cook 14 members on his shift. He also worked at the Bavarian as prep cook. Following that he worked a number of years in the lumber industry, in Custer, SD, for Linde’s & Custer Lumber.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and country music topped his chart! His hobbies were photography, hunting agates, and bee keeping. His joy was producing comb honey; his best customers were senior citizens!
Dick is survived by his wife of 65 years, Gailia; son, Michael (Cindy); daughter, Melody (Padraic) O’Neil; ex-daughter-in-law, Teresa Hadlock; granddaughter, Ashley O’Neil; two grandsons, Joshua (Natalie) O’Neil and John (Amanda) O’Neil. He has five great granddaughters and four great grandsons. There are also Three step-grandsons; one brother, Raymond; sisters-in-law, Grace Hadlock and Carol Wenzel, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Erwin and Floyd Hadlock; one sister, Lucille Gould; sisters-in-law, Mary Hadlock and Jeanette Santa, and daughter- in-law, Shirley Hadlock.
Services will be held at a later date.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.
