William "Bill" Wallace Pinkerton, 81, of Lead, died Sunday, May 1, 2011, at the Fort Meade VA Medical Center.

Visitation will be Friday from noon until time of service at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 6, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel with Pastor Calvin Jones officiating. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Sturgis Veteran's Honor Guard.

William "Bill" Wallace Pinkerton was born June 15, 1929, at Hill City, SD, to Ross W. and Josephine T. (Wichlacz) Pinkerton. He graduated from Custer High School in 1947.

Bill married Donna Jean King from Rochford, SD, in 1951. This union created six wonderful children, fourteen grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, who were all very special to him and brought him much joy.

He entered the US Army in 1951. Following his honorable discharge, he served 6 years in the Army Reserves.

Bill worked sawmilling with his father before and after his military service, also for Homestake Mine, The US Forest Service, Job Corps, and was Co-owner of King's Grocery in Lead. He enjoyed all the friends and customers while in business and his claim to fame was being "the oldest carry out (delivery) boy in town." After 36 years in the grocery business he retired in 2000. Bill and Donna enjoyed their 10 years of retirement.

His life was changed for the better in 1967 when he received Jesus Christ as his savior. This relationship with the Lord brought him much comfort and peace after the sudden death of their son, Danny, in 1984. Bill was a member of the First Baptist Church of Lead/Deadwood and New Hope Chapel of Lead where he faithfully served the Lord. Bill sought out every opportunity to study the Bible and share God's Word.

Bill, 81, of Lead, died Sunday, May 1, 2011, at the Fort Meade VA Medical Center.

Bill is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Donna, Lead; two sons, Wesley (Chandra) Pinkerton, Gillette, WY, and Dale (LouAnn) Pinkerton, Sturgis; three daughters, Catherine Andrews, Michigan, Deanna (Mike) Makousky, Gillette, and Fawn (Jeff) Hadlock, Gillette; fourteen grandchildren, Shannon, Jessica, Nathan, Matthew, Mindie, Keef, Keelia, Roxanne, Crystal, Jewel, Joseph, Maggie, Olivia, and Max; and three great-grandchildren, Macie, Maddie, and Colin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, John; three sisters, Josephine, Mary, and Clara; one son, Daniel Pinkerton; daughter, DeElaine Pinkerton; and son-in-law, Robert K. Andrews.

The family is grateful for the wonderful care he received while at the VA on E ward.

Memorials may be made to: Black Hills Children's Home, 24100 S Rockerville Rd., Rapid City, SD 57702.

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