Richard Hawley, 71, passed away November 5, 2021, at Fort Meade Veterans' Hospital after a long battle of cancer.

Richard was born May 11, 1950, in Wessington Springs, SD, and moved to Sturgis when he was five. Richard participated in track and graduated from Sturgis High School. He enlisted in the US Army and served for two years in Germany. When Richard returned home, he took carpentry classes at Western Dakota Tech. Rich purchased land at Blucksburg where he made his home and married, Donna Steele. They were married 44 years.

He worked at Fort Meade in housekeeping, as a nurse's aide and later worked at Black Hills National Cemetery. He loved the outdoor work and took great pride in the cemetery. Richard and Donna bought land near Pierre and loved fishing and spending time there with close friends. Richard enjoyed hunting and family Christmas tree outings. His nieces and nephews have wonderful memories of him playing Santa Claus at Christmas. He played Santa at many Christmas events. When Richard retired, he started his own lawn care and snow removal business. He loved his customers. He spent countless days gathering firewood. Richard enjoyed shooting pool on league nights with his friends. Richard belonged to the American Legion, Lions Club and served as an officer at the Vet's Club.

Richard is survived by his wife, Donna; brothers, Jerry Hawley, Roger Hawley (Connie); sister, Donna Kaye Sigman; sisters-in-law, Judy Roy, Joyce Geura; brothers-in-law, Loren Steele (Marty), Larry Steele (Diane); and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Donald; brother-in-law, Alen Sigman, sister-in-law, Linda Hawley; niece, Michelle Hawley; and great-nieces, Jessica Moore, and Skyler Hawley; father-in-law, Donald Steele (Ruth); sister-in-law, Ariel Cox; and three nephews.

Memorial has been established.

A private family service is being held. Celebration of life will be held at a later date.