William “Bill” Escott, age 67

William “Bill” Escott

William “Bill” Escott, age 67, Rapid City, SD passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at the Ft. Meade Veterans Affairs Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
Bill was born and raised in Faith, SD to Tom and Lucy (Hatzenbeller) Escott on September 28, 1948. He enlisted in the Marines on April 5, 1967 and was honorably discharged on August 30, 1968 after being wounded in Vietnam. Bill received the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and a Purple Heart for his service.
Bill returned to Faith, SD for a few years before attending college at Chadron State for 2 years where he majored in Art and History. He moved to Rapid City, SD in 1972 where he met Pam Horst and they married in September of 1973. They had three daughters; Holly, Heather, and Mandy.
Bill typically held three jobs at once to support his family.  He worked for the DOT for several years, he worked as the Banquet Set up Manager for Howard Johnson’s and he also worked as a custodian for the Rapid City School District. Bill went back to college to finish his degree in Art and History, but was not able to finish due to declining health.  Bill mentored students at Knollwood Elementary by reading with children, and teaching art classes.
In his final years Bill enjoyed reading, sketching, and painting.  His greatest pleasure was spending time with his family, especially his “grand babies”.
Bill is survived by his daughters, Holly Walton and Mandy (Jason Afraidoflightning) Escott; his grandchildren, Daryn and Jaiden Walton, Jevin and Alivia Afraidoflightning; his sister, Shelly (Rusty) Hallowell; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; and his beloved cat, Baby Kitty.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Heather; his nephew, Vincent; and his brothers, Tom and Ted.
Mass of Christian Burial wiwas held Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help with Father Ed Vanorny as Celebrant. Burial followed at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD with military honors provided by VFW Post 1273 of Rapid City.

The Pioneer Review

221 E. Oak Street
Philip, SD 57567
Telephone: (605) 859-2516
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