Donald McCartney

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Donald Bliss McCartney, 95, of St. Lawrence, SD, passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at The Dalles Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at the First Baptist Church, Miller with Pastor Joseph Raleigh officiating. Burial followed in the G.A.R. Cemetery, Miller. Visitation was held from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at Reck Funeral Home, Miller.

Don was born to Bliss and Lena McCartney on December 4, 1919 in his grandparent’s house in Wessington, SD. Don attended one year of high school in St. Lawrence where he played the clarinet in the band. He left high school to farm with his family south of St. Lawrence until he was drafted into World War II on July 8, 1942. Don served about 3 ½ years with the 374th Air Service Squadron with about half of that time on Biak Island north of New Guinea. He returned to farming in Hand County for the next 70 years until he moved to Washington to live with his nephew, Kim McCartney, and Kim's wife Cathy, in February 2014. He lived there until his death.

Don loved farming and ranching and raised hay, grain, registered Angus cattle, and sheep. After WWII, Don played baseball on the local team with his brothers and neighbors and enjoyed going to dances and other social events. He had a good sense of humor and liked to visit with neighbors. Don served many years on the Hiland Township board.

He is survived by his sister-in-law, Mary McCartney; and four generations of nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his father, Bliss; mother, Lena; brothers: Roy, Lynn and wife June, and Dale and wife Charlotte; two great nephews; and one great-great niece.

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