Dale Eugene Hicks, age 80, of Buffalo Gap, SD, passed away Monday, September 13, 2010, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Fort Meade, SD.

Dale was born March 19, 1930 in Bennett County, SD, to Asa and Julia Pauline(Steele) Hicks. He finished eighth grade in Martin, SD, and went to work for his father farming. In 1952 he was drafted in the Army and served in Korea until November 1953. Upon his honorable discharge Dale returned to help farm as his father had died while Dale was in Korea. In March 1954 he married Luella Allen in Martin, SD. To this union three children were born.

He was a life member of the VFW and the Independent Order of Foresters.
While he was able, he was a member of the Buffalo Gap Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed horses and always had them around. Dale's favorite pass time was driving a team of horses, to him this was so much fun he would cultivate the corn instead of playing.

Dale is survived by his wife, Luella of Buffalo Gap; sons, Randy Eugene Hicks; Terry Wayne Hicks; daughter, Nancy Kay Nielsen all of Buffalo Gap; five grandchildren, Desire Barker; Cole Nielsen; A1C Kory Westers; Lacie(Hicks)Smith; Chelsea Hicks; four great grandchildren and brother, Asa 'Bud' Hicks of Martin, SD.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Ethel Louden; Martin three brothers, Leonard; Norris, Niel; Martin and Malvin; Rapid City.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Friday, September 17, 2010 at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs, SD.

Services will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 18, 2010 at McColley's Chapel of the Hills with Father Claude Vershure officiating.

A memorial has been established in Dale's name to benefit St. Luke's Church in Hot Springs.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.