After nine and one half years of loneliness and numerous medical struggles, John W. Eddy, 95, Rapid City, joined the love of his life, Ruthie, his wife of sixty-five years. He died at the Fort Meade VA Medical Center near Sturgis, SD, on July 5, 2014.

John was born in Lead, SD, September 20, 1918, to William and Margaret Eddy. He was a life-long Lead resident. He started work at age 10 when he would walk to Boyles Dairy up Yellow Creek from the top of Crown Street to help out. His next employment was at some smaller grocery stores in Lead and then at the Hearst Mercantile where he delivered product to their outlying stores in Nemo and Moskee as well as groceries to local retail customers.

On June 2, 1940, he married Ruth V. Hash from the Nemo area. With the exception of his service in the US Army during WWII, they were inseparable until she died in January 2005. In August of 1941, he began working underground for Homestake Mining Company, quickly advancing to the position of Motorman. In October of 1942, he was directed by the War Manpower Commission to report to the Anaconda Copper Mining Company in Butte, MT. He and Ruth welcomed daughter, Carol A. Eddy, into the world April 29, 1943. John received orders from the War Department to report to Fort Snelling for Induction into the Army on July 29, 1944. On October 29, 1944, son, David J. Eddy was born in Deadwood, SD, while John was in Basic Infantry training. After service in the European Theater, he returned to Lead and worked for Homestake where he remained until retirement in 1982.

A hard-working, dedicated family man he loved camping, woodworking, mechanizing and traveling. The only part of life he ever had enough of was the hard-working.

He is survived by his daughter, Carol, and her long-time friend, Wilson Kelly; son, David, and his wife, Catherine; sister-in-law, Alene (Bob) Eddy; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, one sister, and three brothers.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, July 9, 2014, at 2:30 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Sturgis Veteran's Honor Guard. Visitation will be held from 12:30 pm to time of service at Kinkade Funeral Chapel on Wednesday before the committal service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a local charity of your choice or to the Parkinson Wellness Recovery/PRW!, 134 Ft. Lowell, Tucson, AZ 85716.

Click on link to view service folder