Raymond Hadlock

Raymond Earle Hadlock was born Nov. 7, 1938, in Simsbury, Conn. He was one of five children to Erwin and Althea (Parsons) Hadlock.  
Along with his family, Ray moved to Custer, S.D., in 1947; this is where he spent his entire life.
After graduating eighth grade from the Mayo School he went to work for Sen. Francis Case on the Case Ranch. He and Blue (his horse) knew the ranch like the back of his hand! He would get sent down to Wasta, S.D., by Francis to man the herd. This is where he met the love of his life Mary in 1954; they were married July 19, 1958, and were blessed with six children.
Ray worked at various jobs, but ranching was his life. He was very involved in 4-H, showing his stock and even a 4-H leader. He then became a jack of all trades. From logging to mowing grass and from plumbing and heating to janitorial work. You name it he could do it all. Ray was musically inclined, played the guitar, and was in a band. He loved teaching guitar lessons to anyone who wanted to learn, including his children. After the band broke up you could find Ray sitting on the front porch playing for the neighbors or anyone who wanted to listen.
Ray enjoyed listening to country music, hunting, fishing, driving through the hills and dancing with Mary. His children and grandchildren were his life. Ray had many hobbies including photography, muzzleloading, playing the guitar and writing music.
Ray, of Custer, passed away Nov. 16, 2024, at Monument Health Custer Hospital. He was 87.
He was proceeded in death by his parents; three brothers, Erwin, Floyd (Calvin) and Richard (Dick) Hadlock; sister, Lucille Gould; and a granddaughter, Cassey Rae Hadlock; and his beloved wife Mary in 2016.
Ray is survived by his children, Raymond (Bill) Hadlock of Rapid City, S.D., Bob (Cheryl) of Custer, Linda Hadlock of Polson, Mont., Mary “Deneice” (Jon) Knight of Missoula, Mont., Dusty (Jen) of Custer and Tracy (Becky) of Newcastle, Wyo.; 19 grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews, family and friends.
Ray’s kindness, generosity and love for his family will forever be cherished. He will be missed by all, and rest assured that he is back with the love of his life, Mary dancing in heaven.
Memorial Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 20, at Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer with Rev. Ed Coates officiating.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer.