Donald Dean Slater of Hot Springs, SD, passed away January 19, 2010, in his home at the age of 91 surrounded by his family. Don was born in Tyndall, SD, on June 16, 1918, the son of John William and Maude (Eads) Slater. Don graduated from Tyndall High School in 1936. He attended Yankton College for one year then headed to Chicago, IL, to pursue his optometry degree. He met his future bride in Chicago in 1937. In June of 1940 he graduated from the Northern Illinois College of Optometry. Don and Ruby were united in marriage in Hot Springs on August 18, 1940. He purchased the optometric practice of Dr. L.B. Huston in Hot Springs. His dedicated care of his patients continued from 1940 to 1981. His optometric practice also included consulting optometrist for the Hot Springs VA from 1954 through 1984. His passionate care of his patients crossed four generations of families.


Throughout his life he was an active member in the American Optometric Association, American Optometric Foundation, and Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. He served as President for the South Dakota Optometric Association, SD Board of Examiners, and Black Hills Optometric Association.


He served his country in the US Army Medical Department at Longview, Texas from 1944 to October 1945. His community service included working with the Boy Scouts, Charter member of the Elks Lodge #1751,and volunteer for the Hot Springs Historical Society. He also served as President for the Hot Springs School Board, Masonic Harmony Lodge #110, Master -1957, and President of Kiwanis. He served on the Hot Springs City Council and Board of Trustees of the United Churches. His love of sports was his passion. He was a pitcher(softball and baseball), bowler, hunter, golfer, hiker, adventurer. He was instrumental in establishing the Southern Hills Sand Scramble now known as the Father's Day Invitational. After retiring in 1984 he and Ruby spent every winter in Green Valley, AZ enjoying sunshine, golf, hiking and panoramic views of the Arizona mountains, always returning to South Dakota in the spring and splitting their time between South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Ruby; his son William (Bill) and Rose Mary of Hot Springs; daughter, Diana (Dick) Deaver of Three Lakes, WI; and grandchildren, Jeffrey Jay Slater Harris; Celina Slater, Lisa Anderson, and Mark Deaver. Seven great grandchildren, Hannah Jean, Milla Josephine, Jacob, Colin, Myah, Sierra and Kailee.


He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Maude Slater, and his grandson, Shannon John Slater.


Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 22, at The United Churches in Hot Springs.


In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established at Hospice of the Hills, 224 Elk St., Rapid City, SD 57702 or the Masonic Harmony Lodge 110 of Hot Springs, SD.

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.