Harold Bawdon
June 22, 1922 ~ April 17, 2012
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Harold Bawdon, 89, of Highmore, took his final ‘flight’ on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at Rapid City Regional Hospital.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 21, 2012 at the United Methodist Church, Highmore with Pastor Kori Lehrkamp officiating. Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, April 20, 2012 with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at Luze Funeral Home, Highmore. Burial will be 1:30 p.m., Monday, April 23, 2012 at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis with full military honors.
Harold Benjamin Bawdon was born June 22, 1922 to Herbert and Theresa (Dirks) Bawdon in Hand County. He went to a rural school in Spring Hill Township, Hand County where he graduated 8th grade. He attended Highmore High school and graduated in 1942. In 1944, he then enlisted in the United States Marine Corp as an Aviator Instructor. He was stationed in Memphis, TN where he met his future wife Patricia Ann Thames. They were united in marriage in 1946.
He served in WWII in the Pacific Theatre as a fighter Pilot and was later recalled to service in the Korean Conflict. He then with his wife and one child, Joseph, moved to Highmore, SD to continue his farming and ranching career. In 1954, a set of twins were born, Ronald and Robert, to complete the family. He was then honorably discharged from the military.
Harold was one of the founding fathers of the Highmore Roundup Club. He was very active in leather work, making saddles and other leather accessories. Harold was active with local 4-H groups where he taught the art of leatherwork and also a member of the Highmore American Legion Frank Vopat Post.
His hobbies were golfing, horseback riding, taking his children to horse shows, collecting coins, and his work. He loved to help neighbors build steel grain bins and pole sheds. You could always find him on Thursday or Sunday afternoons heading to Ft Thompson to the Lode Star Casino.
He is survived by his sons: Joseph (Susan) Bawdon of Custer (Darci, Cody, Casey, and Cassie); Ronald (Paula) Bawdon of Ft Collins, CO (Lisa and Heidi); Robert (Pamela) Bawdon of Highmore (Kristen, Jordan, and Jayme); 1 great-grandchild, Tyler Bawdon; sister, Pearl Dittman, brother, John (Ellen) Bawdon; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Harold is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia in 1994; parents; paternal and maternal grandparents; one brother; one sister; and one brother in-law.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Highmore Rodeo Club and Hyde County 4-H, PO Box 515, Highmore, SD 57345.
Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Harold’s arrangements.
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Bawdon family, thinking of you during this difficult time, may Gods grace comfort you!
Bawdon Family, We will miss seeing “H” very much. He was a very nice man. Liked to hear his stories of his life in Hyde Co. I will miss seeing him on the road to the Casino he loved so much.Good Bye “H”. May GOD Bless You. Bret&Wendy.
Bob and Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Never easy to say goodbye to our loved ones.
Jim, Carrie, Carson & Carly Stephenson
Dear Joe, Ron, Bob and families: I was so sad to learn of the death of Harold…gosh, I can’t believe it…he and my dad were such buddies. I have so many memories of those two with Buck Kennedy and Huck Burnham working calves, drinking a beer or 2 and playdays. It’s really hard to have to say goodbye to your Dad. Please know you all are in my thoughts at this sad time.
It has been a while since I have seen Harold. He was a wonderful man & very funny. He meant alot to my dad. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Josh, Dawn, Alexis & Jadie Reimer
Mom and I send our prayers and sympathies for you and your family thru this time! Harold was a great man and will be missed!!
My deepest sympathies to you on the passing of your father. You will be in my thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.
Nicki
So sorry to hear of Harold’s passing. May God bless and comfort each and every one of you.
Roger Day and Family
To the family of Harold~ our thoughts and prayers go out to you all during this difficult time! We are praying for peace!
Hey guys, Can’t believe that Harold will no longer be around for a smile and a hug. The great memories of your Mom and Dad will always be with us. Your family has always been very special to our family. Love to you all and our sympathy.
Beverly and Jerry King
Joe, Bob, Ron & Families, Can’t believe Harold is gone. Such a wonderful man. Bob, Terry so enjoyed the day you and your Dad stopped at the house to visit. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Sorry to hear of Harold’s passing. Condolences from the Whiting family.
A great man gone….he was full of energy and wit and wisdom and we over here will miss him enormously too.
We send our deepest sympathy to all his family and we are sorry that distance prevents us from attending the funeral.
Good-bye Harold, the world is very much poorer for your passing.
Bawdon family,
Our sympathy to you all. It’s so hard to say goodbye to our parents. Harold was always so friendly and I’m sure will be missed by many. May God comfort you.
Bawdon family,
Our sympathy to you all. It’s so hard to say goodbye to our parents. Harold was always so friendly and I’m sure will be missed by many. May God comfort you.
Joe, Ron and Bob & families:
I am sad to learn of your father’s passing. I am so thankful that Jeff let me know. Your dad was always a bright spot when I came to South Dakota and a special person.
I am surprised to learn that Ron and Paula are in Fort Collins, so close to Greeley.
Blessings to each of you during this time of sadness.
You father will be missed; but I know that our God will care for all of you.
Blessings and Peace,
Deanna J Bawdon
Joe, Susan and Family, Sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Cherish the memories.
Kent, Renae and Marlee
Ron
So sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. Our thoughts, sympathies & prayers are with you
and your family.
Pat and Dan Kennison
Ron, Mike and I were so sorry to read about your Dad in the Rapid City Journal. Our thoughts are with you and the whole family.
Give us a call sometime. We are in Ft Collins quite frequently as Yvette lives in Windsor.
Mike and Francie Alberts
So sorry to hear about your dad. I remember him and mom and what fun they had in the Old Settlers parade, Harold would bring the old car and Mary would bring the candy.
Dear Bawdon Family,
I did not know your Dad but he must have been a prety good guy because I know his sons and they came out great. I am sorry for your loss and am thinking of all three of you.
Remembering a veteran who has answered his last roll call.
Rest in peace, Marine.
Mark A. Mills, Commander
Custer Post #46 & Custer County
American Legion