Donald Hennings, 76, formerly of Hot Springs, SD, passed away March 13, 2010 at Custer Regional Hospital in Custer, SD.

Donald was born June 25, 1933 in Rural Loup County Nebraska to Clarence and Ella (Roblyer) Hennings. After graduating from High School he joined the United States Air Force and proudly served in the Korean War from 1952-1956 in the Mosquito Reconnaissance Squadron. After discharge he married Janet Daily in 1957 at Taylor, NE. To this union 3 children were born, Julie, Bradley and Sandra. He was a devoted husband and father that enjoyed hunting, camping, and motorcycling together with the family.

After the Military he was employed by F.W. Woolworth Co. in various stores across Wyoming and Montana. In 1964 the family moved to Hastings, MN where he managed the Ben Franklin Store. In 1970 he moved his family to Hot Springs, SD to own and manage the Ben Franklin Store. Don was active in many community affairs, the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce, the Retail Chairman serving multiple terms, the Miss South Dakota Pageant and the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs.

He was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church. He served as the Treasurer and many other various capacities. He especially enjoyed driving the Sunday school bus.

In 1986 he became the Director of Hot Springs Housing for Fall River County. He received many special achievement awards from HUD and The State of South Dakota for his job performance. He was also recognized by the Veterans Administration Center for going above and beyond for his assistance with Veterans.

He retired in 1998 and remained in Hot Springs with his wife until moving to Custer, South Dakota in 2006. He was a member of the Mountain View Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Phyllis Holmes and his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Janet; daughter, Julie (Chris) Vickers, Grapevine, TX; son, Brad (Jane) Hennings, Arlington, SD; daughter, Sandra (George ) Finley Gillette WY; brother, Lawrence (Marge) Hennings, Kimball, NE; grandchildren, Thomas (Shauna) Vickers, Patrick Vickers, Christy Hennings, Janet Marie Dahlman, Kayla (Brandon) Bryant, Cole Finley.

Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00, Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at the Calvary Baptist Church in Hot Springs with Pastor Matt Lim and Pastor Matt Furse officiating.
Committal will follow at Evergreen Cemetery 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.