Richard "Dick" J. Hadlock was born January 22, 1931, in Simsbury, Connecticut, the son of Erwin and Althea (Parsons) Hadlock.  He came to South Dakota in 1948 with his parents and younger brother, Raymond.  Dick was educated in Massachusetts and received his GED in SD.

On September 15, 1956, he married the love of his life, Gailia Wenzel, in Custer SD.  To this union two children were born, Michael Ray and Melody Kay.  How Dick treasured and loved his family!

Dick joined the US Air Force in 1951-1955.  He was stationed two and a half years at Tachikawa AFB in Japan, during the Korean War; he served as first cook with 14 members on his shift.  He also worked at the Bavarian as prep cook.  Following that he worked a number of years in the lumber industry in Custer, SD, for Linde's & Custer Lumber.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, dancing with his bride, and country music topped his chart! His hobbies were guitar, photography, hunting agates, and bee keeping. His joy was producing comb honey; his best customers were senior citizens!

Dick is survived by his wife of 65 years, Gailia; son Michael (Cindy); daughter, Melody (Padraic) O'Neil; ex-daughter-in-law, Teresa Hadlock; granddaughter, Ashley (Tiffany) O 'Neil; two grandsons, Joshua (Natalie) O'Neil, and John (Amanda) O'Neil.  He has six great granddaughters, four great grandsons, and another grandbaby on the way.  There are also three step-grandsons; one brother, Raymond; sister-in-law, Grace Hadlock; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Erwin and Floyd Hadlock; one sister and brother-in-law, Lucille (Adrian) Gould; sister-in-law, Mary Hadlock; and daughter-in-law, Shirley Hadlock.

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