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E.R. “Buck” Brengle: 1923-2013

E.R. “Buck” Brengle passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 4, 2013, at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Ft. Meade, S.D. He was 89 years old.

Buck was born on the family ranch about eight miles north of old Redig, S.D. on Sept. 18, 1923, and was the second youngest of eight children born to W. O. (Bill) and Maude Brengle.

He graduated from Buffalo (S.D.) High School in 1941, and went to the South Dakota School of Mines for one year, then joined the U.S. Navy in 1943 and served as a signalman. He was involved in 10 invasions – some of the heaviest fighting in the Pacific theater and was a kamikaze survivor.

He married Olive Ruth “Scarlet” Dillon on July 31, 1945, while on leave, and was discharged on Oct. 23, 1945. He eventually went back to college at Black Hill State University and received a degree in History and Industrial arts.

Over his working life, he was involved in ranching, oil and gas distribution, missile silo and road construction, and teaching. For the bulk of his later working career, he was a salesman of tack as well as western and ranch supplies, and as the manufacturer of Buck Ropes.

He lived most of his life in South Dakota, except from 1986 to 2000 where he moved to Goldthwaite, Texas. He and Scarlet lived there until 2000, when she passed away. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Spearfish, where he met Betty Halstead. They were married on April 16, 2006.

Buck believed in service to mankind. He was not only a veteran, but he was a member of the St. Onge Church of Christ where he was active and involved, and volunteered in the CATS program for Spearfish as well. He was also active in the service organizations of Freemasonry in both Texas and South Dakota, as well as the Moose Lodge in Belle Fourche. His most beloved service, late in life, was volunteering at the High Plains Western Heritage Center where he provided not only a historic perspective but inserted humor upon every possible occasion.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, of Spearfish; his son, John (Evelyn) Brengle, Cedar Park, Texas; a sister, Wilma Negaard, Rapid City, S.D.; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Buck was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Olive Ruth “Scarlet”; daughter, Tyia in 2012; his brothers Myron Brengle and Maurice Brengle; and his sisters, Violet Wilson, Coty Burnfin, Dorothy Hanify, and Fay Carbine.

Services were held Thursday, June 13, 2013, at the High Plains Western Heritage Center in Spearfish, with Rev. Del Neumeister and Rev. Paul Howard officiating. Masonic Rites will be given by Cedar Branch Lodge #179 AF & AM. Military Honors were conducted by the Spearfish Veterans Honor Guard and South Dakota Army National Guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the High Plains Western Heritage Center, 825 Heritage Drive, Spearfish, SD 57783.

Black Hills Funeral Home in Sturgis is in charge of arrangements.

Friends and family may sign his online guest register and leave written condolences at http://www.blackhillsfuneralhome.com.