Rush Funeral Home Logo
Logo Image
(605) 859-2400 You can call us 24/7
Newsletter Get new obituaries by email
Search Search through the obituaries

Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at 10:30 AM (Mountain).

Wall Community Center
Wall, South Dakota




Print Obituary

In memory of

Don Sawvell

of Rapid City formerly of Quinn, South Dakota, died on Thursday, November 7, 2019 at his home in Rapid City at the age of 81

Don Richard Sawvell was born on December 13, 1937 at the family home north of Wall, SD to Floyd and Mildred (Hildebrandt) Sawvell, joining his big sister, Cleone. He grew up working alongside his dad farming, ranching and helping to drill water wells. He rode his bicycle to the country grade school, and graduated from Wall High School in 1955. He joined the Army, but had to return to take over the family farm after his uncle Norris passed away.

Don married Marcia Anderson on June 18th, 1961. From this union they had three children, Lana, Jody, and Dale. Don was very active in the community as a member of Jaycees, the Masons, the NAJA Shrine, and a longtime member of the Wall Methodist Church and choir.

Don was a beloved friend and neighbor who was always available to help out anyone in need whether it be snow removal, equipment repair, branding, or farming. But it wasn’t all work…He loved car races. He rarely missed Sunday NASCAR, or the Friday night races in Rapid, and helped to build and maintain several local cars over the years. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, and having friends and family gather in his shop. Don restored a number of old tractors, including the entire John Deere 20 Series.

He had very dear friends from Sioux Falls who became family, friends from living at Sheridan Lake, and wintering in Arizona.

Don fought a long and brave battle with pancreatic cancer. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones on November 7, 2019.

Grateful for sharing his life are his wife, Marcia of Rapid City; children: Lana (Steve) Ruppert of Fayetteville, GA, Jody (Laniece) Sawvell, and Dale (Jackie) Sawvell of Quinn; grandchildren: Christin Atkins, Dakota (Joe) Porter, Casey, Kailey Rae, Camden, Kassidy, Jesse and Kyla Sawvell; great-grandchildren: Mason Atkins, Haylee and Aubree Porter; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Mildred, brothers-in-law Everett Bauer and Jim McKay, nephew Derryl McKay, and dear friends R.W. (Rip) Smith and Dean Lamb.

Memorial services with Masonic Rites will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the Wall Community Center with Pastor Russell Masartis officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial monies will be donated to the Shiner’s Hospital Transportation Fund.

MEMORIAL SERVICE
Tuesday, November 12, 2019 - 10:30 a.m.
Wall Community Center
Wall, South Dakota

CLERGY
Pastor Russell Masartis

MUSIC
Deanna Kammerer - Pianist
United Methodist Choir - Vocalists
“Heavenly Sunlight”

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Family and Friends in Attendance

MASONIC RITES
Crescent Lodge #210

MEMORIALS
Shriner's Hospital Transportation Fund

  • Thanks for serving ~ A Veteran (11/15/2019)
  • What a great man! He would do anything for his neighbors. ~ Boe & Nancy Knapp Omaha, NE (11/13/2019)
  • Don served God well here on earth & has now been called to a place in God's home. His legacy of service, commitment & love for God, family, community & country will endure for generations. May God provide strength & comfort for all whom Don loved & those who loved him. God speed! ~ Marcia Eisenbraun Custer SD (11/12/2019)
  • To Don's entire family. Keep your memories close to your heart. May the Lord help you thru these tough times. God Bless you all. He was an awesome man. Love you guys. ~ Jan Wenzel Quinn,SD (11/12/2019)
  • Hold on to your memories, and let them guide you through this time of sadness. We remember the good times. ~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter Kadoka (11/12/2019)
  • What a great neighbor, our thoughts and prayers are with all the Sawvell family. ~ Kari and Kendall Kjerstad Grand Junction CO (11/11/2019)
  • My thoughts and prayers are sent your way. ~ Lea Willuweit Ymker Armour SD (11/11/2019)
  • Lana and Family,

    I am sending you my love and prayers as you miss your Dad and your children, their Grandfather. May Heavenly Father bless and comfort you through these difficult days.     ~ Becky Moore Douglas, Wyoming (11/11/2019)
  • Marcia... sending my deepest sympathy to you. Thoughts and prayers. ~ Kristine (Nelson) Renner Minnesota (11/11/2019)
  • My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Sorry for your loss ~ Tammy Shields Mitchell,SD (11/11/2019)
  • Marcia and family, we are so sorry to learn of Don's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficuly time. ~ Lloyd Royer & Rosi WAUKEE IA (11/10/2019)
  • So very sorry for your loss! I always remember the fun times we used to have at the oyster fry parties at your place. Prayers to the family ~ Ronda Hamann Wall, SD (11/9/2019)
  • My Deepest Sympathy. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. ~ Fawna (Geigle) Goff Sturgis, SD (11/9/2019)
  • My deepest sympathy to all of you ~ Sheryl Sether Hot Springs (11/9/2019)
  • My deepest sympathy to you, Marcia and your family. Thoughts and prayers. ~ Joyce Buchholz (11/9/2019)
  • All my love to those who knew how amazing he was. you will missed Grandpa. ~ Dakota Porter & Family Fayetteville, GA (11/9/2019)
  • Deepest sympathies to all of you. ~ Stacey Fielder Rapid City (11/8/2019)
  • My Deepest Sympathy. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. ~ Dale and Family Sturgis, SD (11/8/2019)