David Eugene was born unto Tom and Bonnie Relf in Rapid City, SD, on April 2, 1954. As a little boy with boundless energy and enthusiasm, he excelled at baseball and spent every summer of his youth playing in the Pony League and Little League games. He participated in Track at North Junior High and won many medals. As a teenager, he enjoyed the car races and worked with the Pit Crew for his cousin, Bob Baumberger at the Black Hills Speedway until he enlisted into the U.S. Navy in 1972. He was proud to be a sailor and serve aboard the USS Enterprise as an Administrative Specialist Clerk; and received the Vietnam Service Medal as well as the National Defense Service Medal.

He returned to Rapid City and married his high school sweetheart, Teri Allard. They built a home together and enjoyed raising their two sons, Tommy and Nick.

Dave inherited his father Tom's artistic talents and carpentry skills and the two of them worked alongside each other for many years building houses. It was a skill they passed on to David's sons which gave them both a great deal of pride.

Dave and Teri remained close friends and devoted parents even after their divorce and were especially active in the lives of their two little grandsons, Vander and Gage, who gave them so much joy. Dave loved being a grandpa spending time with them.

He loved riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and always looked forward to attending the Sturgis Rally.

Dave was a proud and protective big brother to Darla Kaye and Mike and was blessed to spend the last month of his life in the loving care of his devoted mom and sister along with his family in Watertown, SD. A special time for all of them

He will be buried at the National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD, in May, surrounded by his immediate family. We will fondly reminisce about his antics and celebrate the life of an incredible man. Above all else, we will remember his unique sense of humor. If Dave loved you, he teased you and we loved him in return for always making us laugh. He will be missed by all of us who knew him, including his sweet, Aunt Shirley, whom he shared a special bond with.

"See Ya' Later, Dude" was Dave's classic goodbye.

David is survived by his two sons, Tom (Shannon) Relf and Nick Relf of Rapid City, SD; mother, Bonnie Relf, and his sister, Darla Gilman, of Watertown, SD; and brother, Dr. Michael Relf and Shawn McKenna of Raleigh, NC. He was a wonderful uncle to Dacia Oaks, Dustin Gilman, and great-uncle to Avery and Alexis Oaks of Watertown, SD.

He was preceded in death by his father, Tom Relf; paternal grandparents, Edward and Elsie Relf; and maternal grandparents, Dick and Della Klinetobe. His dad, beloved uncle, Lloyd, and dear cousin, Buddy, as well as many others surely greeted him with joy upon his arrival at heaven's gate.

Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 25, 2018, at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.