David Paul Gano, 82, of Meadow, South Dakota, passed away on Friday, July 3, 2026.

David was born on April 25, 1944, in Buffalo, South Dakota, to Walter and Dorothy (Dippert) Gano. He grew up on the family ranch alongside his nine brothers and sisters. At the young age of 14, David was sent to Buffalo to attend school while working as a sheep herder to earn money and help support his family.

On June 24, 1967, David married the love of his life, Judy Eaton. Together they took over the Gano family ranch, where they built their life together, raised their family, and lived for the next 59 years. David was immensely proud that the ranch had remained in the Gano family for 115 years.

Ranching was more than David’s livelihood—it was his passion. He loved livestock, raising Black Angus cattle, and was especially known for breaking and training horses. Friends and neighbors knew they could count on Dave to have a good horse saddled and ready to ride at any hour of the day or night.

Breaking, training, and selling horses brought him great joy throughout his life.

David also enjoyed restoring antique buggies, collecting antiques, and spending time on trail rides and cattle drives with his team and wagon. He was an avid hunter and trapper and never lost his excitement for seeing wildlife in his front yard.

Dave loved rodeo and was known for watching—and recording—every rodeo he could find so he could enjoy them again and again.

David and Judy were blessed with two daughters, Tamera Paulette Gano, born May 8th, 1971, and Tanya Mae Gano, born on September 20, 1974. Dave treasured every moment with his daughters. He especially enjoyed when family and friends would stop by unexpectedly for a cup of coffee and one of Judy’s homemade sweet treats. His home was always a welcoming place, filled with laughter, stories, and good company.

David touched countless lives throughout his 82 years and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Those who loved him find comfort in imagining Dave in Heaven, jitterbugging, riding horses, and embracing his beloved daughter Tanya and the many family members and friends who welcomed him home. One can only imagine the joyful celebration they are sharing together.

David is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Judy Gano; his daughter, Tamera (Eric) Jackson; his siblings, Cleo Gano Wilber, John Allen Lewton, and Cecil Lewton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Dorothy Gano; his beloved daughter, Tanya Gano; his brothers, Milton Lewton, Terry Lewton, and Monte Gano; and his sisters, Margaret Frye and Carol Rosander-Rumminger.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Grace Bible Fellowship Church, 900 Coleman Ave in Bison.