Raymond Harrison, age 87, of Martin, South Dakota, died on Monday, August 21, 2023 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.
Graveside services with military honors will be held 11:00 a.m. CDT Friday, September 8, at the White River Cemetery.
Raymond L. Harrison was born January 8, 1936, in Wood, South Dakota. He was the youngest of five brothers, raised on the still existing family farm and ranch north of White River, South Dakota. He attended a country school approximately one mile down the road from the farm, where one teacher taught multiple classes. Later, he attended White River High School where he graduated in the class of 1954. Raymond was introduced to his future wife, Marjorie J. Rasmussen, while employed with a construction company in Montrose, South Dakota. He was later drafted into the Army in July of 1959, until his discharge in July of 1961. He then reunited with Marjorie, and they were married on September 8, 1962. After uniting in marriage, the couple moved to Rapid City, South Dakota, for a brief time while Raymond assisted in the expansion of Ellsworth Air Force Base, until moving to White River. While living in White River, Raymond was employed with the SD Department of Transportation.
The couple welcomed their daughter Lori in July 1963. The family then moved to Batesland, South Dakota, in 1968 and in November of 1969, the family welcomed their second child, Daniel. In 1970, Ray and Marjorie then moved to Martin, South Dakota, where he resided until the present day. While living in Martin, Raymond was employed with the Indian Health Service, City of Martin, Bennett County Coop, and retired in the maintenance department with the Bennett County School System.
He was gifted in automobiles, home maintenance, the fabrication of wood and metal structures, and enjoyed dancing after meeting Marjorie. He enjoyed the outdoors, taking Lori and Dan on hunting and fishing trips during their growing up years. He passed his teachings, on his previously mentioned gifts, to Lori and Dan. He was very devoted to Lori and Dan’s sporting events and other activities throughout their school years. He also enjoyed getting together with a group of local residents that he considered to be his coffee buddies.
Survivors include daughter Lori of Thornton, Colorado, and son Dan of Rapid City, South Dakota. He is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends on both sides of the family.
We are extremely blessed to have had him in our lives and for the length of time we were able to spend with him. A kind man and special soul. He’s been called a legend by some for his catch phrases, that some wondered how he thought of such things. He instilled in Lori and Dan the values of honesty, a strong work ethic, and kindness with respect always to others. May God Bless the Man and Memory of Raymond L. Harrison.
Raymond is preceded in death by his wife Marjorie, his parents Emmett and Odelia, and brothers Mike, Veldon, Robert and Mick.
Survivors include his son Dan Harrison of Rapid City; daughter Lori Harrison of Thornton, Colorado; and numerous special cousins, nieces, nephews, and other family and friends on both sides of his family.
He was preceded in death by his wife Marjorie on February 10, 2018; his parents; and four brothers: Veldon, Robert, Mike, and Mick.
Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.
