Reverend Donald Earle Hadrick, 83, of Boulder Canyon, SD, passed away August 20, 2017, after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Earlier in the day, Don celebrated his 57th wedding anniversary with his wife, Jean.

Don was born February 15, 1934, near Faulkton, SD, to Louis and Bertha (Elliott) Hadrick. He grew up on the farm but left at a young age. Don enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1953 and was transferred to Marine Corps Depot in San Diego, CA. Due to an injury at a very young age, Don was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps. Don then went to Minneapolis and worked in a pharmacy until 1956 when he responded to his calling to be a minister. He returned to South Dakota and attended Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD. While attending Dakota Wesleyan University, he met the love of his life, Virjean "Jean" Dykes and they married on August 20, 1960, at the Presbyterian Church in Bridgewater, SD, by Dr. Jack Early. (Dr. Early baptized all four of Don's children). In 1960, Don graduated from Dakota Wesleyan University with a degree in History and Jean graduated from the Methodist School of Nursing.

While attending Dakota Wesleyan University, Don served the Methodist Churches in Kennebec and Reliance and continued to serve both churches for one year after graduation. In 1961, Don and Jean moved to Kansas City so Don could attend St. Paul School of Theology. While attending seminary, Don worked at Wyandotte Detention Center for Youth and they welcomed their first child, Mark Donald. In 1962, Don and Jean moved to Faith where Don served the Faith United Methodist Church and Plainview Community Church. Don completed his theology training at Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL, and they welcomed their second child, Laura Jean.

In 1966, Don and Jean moved from Faith to Tulare where Don served the Tulare United Methodist Church, St. John United Church of Christ, and Salem United Church of Christ. In 1967, Don was ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church and they welcomed their twins, Darla Kay and Brian Ray.

In 1969, Don was involved in a near fatal car accident and spent a month in the hospital and many more months recovering.

In 1972, Don was appointed to Selby, SD, where he served the Selby United Methodist Church and the Lowery Pilgrim United Church of Christ. During this time, Don served on the board of the South Dakota Mental Health Association and was later elected President. During his time at Selby, he was bestowed the nickname RD (Reverenced Don).

In 1979, Don was appointed to Webster, SD, and served the Webster and Bristol United Methodist Churches. Don worked with the area ministerial association and helped several families in refugee resettlement programs. Don served the community of Webster as a member of the Kiwanis Club and learned to roll cotton candy for the masses!

In 1985, Don was appointed to Deadwood United Methodist Church. Don loved the Black Hills and loved his role as Preacher Smith during the Days of 76. Don was also instrumental in erecting a monument at Mount Moriah Cemetery in Deadwood, honoring Preacher Smith.

In 1989, Don was appointed the Senior Pastor at the Redfield Greater Parish. He served this appointment until 1996 when Don and Jean retired from the ministry and moved to Boulder Canyon, SD. Don and Jean moved into their retirement home which was built by their children and Don loved to show it off to anyone who stopped by. Sometimes the tours took several hours and included a meal.

Even though Don retired officially in 1996, he continued to serve the Lord as a pulpit supply pastor for many years until his Alzheimer's refused to allow him to continue.

During his many years of ministry, Don served the Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church in many capacities including: Board of Ordained Ministry, Board of Missions, Board of Trustees, Conference Council on Finance and Administration, and Camping Council.

In 2010, Don was honored as a Jubilee Clergy (clergy members serving 50 years) by Bishop Debra Lieder-Kiesey.

Don was a Mason and joined the lodge in Faulkton, SD. He served the Masons in various capacities and in 2015, Don was presented with a gold lapel pin honoring his 60 years of membership.

Don gave of himself and donated over 10 gallons of blood over the years.

Don loved the Lord and he loved to "Tell the Story." Don loved people, those he knew and those he did not know and he always had a smile, a handshake, and a cup of coffee for anyone willing to accept it.

Don gave of himself and encouraged everyone to do better than they thought they could do. He never gave up, never gave in and fought the battle for the Lord with courage, dignity, integrity and love. Well done good and faithful servant.

Don is survived by his wife of 57 years, Virjean (Dykes) Hadrick; four children, Mark (Judy) Hadrick of Yuba City, CA, Laura (Todd) Baase of Santee, CA, Darla Hadrick of Selby, SD, and Brian Hadrick of Springfield, NE; his brother, Robert (Marilyn) Hadrick; brothers-in-law, Dale Dykes and Dan (Vicki) Dykes; sisters-in-law, Ardyce Hadrick, Janice Hadrick, and Glenda Stephenson; 8 grandchildren, Hiromi Tomita, Whitney Higgens, Jennifer Baase, Scott Baase, Brandon Hadrick, Kortney Hadrick, and Hanna and Halin Hadrick; 4 great-grandchildren, Grant Higgens, Garrett (Ali) Higgins, Emily Leonard, and Dax Tomita; 4 great-great-grandchildren, Kinzy, Ryan, Aysen, and Aubrey; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Bertha and Louis Hadrick; his in-laws, Nathan and Marie (Gossel) Dykes; two brothers, Charles Hadrick and Harold Hadrick; three sisters-in-law, Wanda (Dykes) Buell, Marlene Dykes , and Kathy Dykes; and one great-grandchild, James Leonard.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM with a family service beginning at 7:00 PM on Thursday, August 24, 2017, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel and a Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 25, 2017, at 11:00 AM at the Sturgis United Methodist Church with Pastor Sharla McCaskell (Rev. Hadrick's confirmation student) officiating.

In lieu of flowers and cookies, memorials have been established in Don's name for Alzheimer's on a local level, to the churches he served, and to the scholarship fund at the Faulkton Methodist Church.

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