Donald Soper

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Donald D. Soper, 95, of Miller, passed away Tuesday, September 2, 2014 at the Good Samaritan Society in Miller.

Funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 6, 2014 at the First Presbyterian Church, Miller with Rev. Brian Jones officiating. Burial with military rites followed at Morningside Cemetery, Ree Heights. Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, September 5, 2014 with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at the church.

Donald D. Soper was born at Burke, SD to Dale and Irene (Stroup) Soper on March 13, 1919. After graduating from Burke High School in 1936 (dirty thirties), Don went to California. While there, Don worked at several jobs and airplane riveting class until entering the Army at Camp McArthur, CA in 1940. After going overseas via Ireland, England, France and Germany (Nuremberg); Don returned to the USA in 1945. After discharge, Don operated hatcheries in Gregory and Gettysburg, SD. In 1955, Don was the mayor of Gregory, SD.

Don also sold Honda motorcycles, ATV’s and guns. He also ran race horses in the USA and Canada for many years. He loved playing tournament pool and was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 1986 and then into the International Hall of Fame at Las Vegas, NV in 1988. Don was a 32° Scottish Rite Mason for 60 years and an El Riad Shriner for 55 years.

He married Georgia Cook in June 1999 and moved to the ranch south of Ree Heights. After retiring, he spent the rest of his days maybe playing pool (he had his own table and pool room) or watching the weeds grow in the garden.

Don is survived by his wife, Georgia; daughter, Anita of Gettysburg; sons, Duane of Gettysburg, Lon of St. Cloud, MN, and Scott (Patty) of St. Cloud, MN; sister, Betty Shonley of Nebraska City, NE; sister-in-law, Gerrie Soper of Gregory; step-son, Mike (Shirley) Cook of Ree Heights; step-daughter, Jackie (Jerry) Poindexter of Miller; 11 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kathy; sister, Helen; brothers, David, Howard, and Bob; and step-son, Terry.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Don’s arrangements.