Ronald "Ron" Edward Whitley, 79, of Redfield, SD passed away Thursday, September 30, 2021, at Avantara Redfield in Redfield.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Redfield with military honors to follow at the church.  Reverend Timothy Cone will officiate.

The Mass will be live-streamed to the funeral home's website under Ron's obituary for those unable to attend.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Hyke Funeral Home of Redfield.  (www.hykefuneralhome.com)

Ron was born in Sioux City, IA on May 1, 1942, to Donavon and Frances (Schmitz) Whitley.  He lived in Nebraska for 12 years, Ft. Pierre, SD for three years, and then moved to Redfield, SD in 1958.  He graduated from Redfield High School in 1959 and one year later, he joined the U.S. Navy.

In 1963, Ron married Beverly Ann Vance.  He worked at the state hospital and school for 11 years, Wagner Motors for two years, and then went into the cable tv business.  He traveled many miles while in cable.  In 1979, he bought the Quart House Liquor.

Ron was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as Grand Knight.  He bartended at the VFW, bowled for many years, and played slow-pitch softball.  He loved to go pheasant hunting and especially loved fishing for bullheads.  Visiting with both friends and strangers was also something he enjoyed.  He truly loved gardening and canning his produce.

He is survived by his wife Beverly Ann of Redfield; three children:  Lori (Lonnie) Sattler, Donovan D. (Lisa Johnson) Whitley, both of Redfield, and Raymond Whitley of Watertown, SD; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two sisters; and three brothers.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents; one sister; one brother; and one grandson.

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Thank you to the participants in Ron's services:

Clergy: Reverend John Short

Lector: Mary Kay Jandel

Organist: Mary Binger

Cantor and Soloist: Raymond Johnson

Urn Bearers: Brandon Whitley, Billy Sherman, Tony Whitley, Tim Bacon

Military Honors:

Clay Kiser American Legion Post #92 - Redfield, SD

Paul A. Schleher VFW Post #2755 - Redfield, SD

U.S. Navy Funeral Honors Team - Sioux Falls, SD

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