Donald L. “Scotty” McLaren

Donald L. “Scotty” McLaren of Interior, South Dakota, died on Friday, July 5, 2024 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 82

Visitation will be held one hour preceding the services.

Funeral services will be held 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 9, at the Interior Community Center, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

Military graveside services will follow at the Interior Cemetery.

Donald “Scotty” McLaren was born August 3, 1941, in Duffield, Michigan to Norman L. and Cathryn A. (Bentley) McLaren. He grew up in Durand, Michigan and graduated from Durand High School in 1959. Scotty worked at the gravel pit for two years prior to entering the U.S. Air Force. He was a jet engine mechanic on B-52’s and KC135’s at Ellsworth Air Force Base. After Scotty was honorably discharged from the Air Force he stayed in Rapid City where he was united in marriage to Sandra Marsh in 1965, and to this union was born one daughter.

They made their home in Rapid City where Scotty worked for Coke and Budweiser driving route delivery trucks. Later he became a ranch hand in Union Center, Edgemont, Darel Powers Ranch in Kyle, and then the Jerry Johnston Ranch in Interior. Scotty was later united in marriage to Karla Saunders on April 3, 1998.

Scotty was a member of the American Legion Post #22 in Rapid City, and the First Presbyterian Church of Interior.

Survivors include his daughter Danna Gummo of Arizona; grandson Brett Gummo; brother Wayne McLaren of Eagle River, Alaska; two sisters Cathryn Stilson of Flint, Michigan, and Shirley Lundy of Durand, Michigan; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Karla on August 29, 2013; his parents; two brothers Earl and Robert (Carol) McLaren; and sister Norma Cantrell.

Arrangements are with the Rush Funeral Home of Philip.