Harley Wilbur Emick, 79, passed away March 31, 2017, at Rapid City Reginal Hospital.

Harley was born November 17, 1937, in Hot Springs, South Dakota, to Wilbur and Opal (Lake) Emick of Oral, SD. His early years were spent on the ranch, which was established in 1929, with his Dad, Mother and siblings. Harley attended grade school in Oral, and he graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1955. After graduation, he first attended South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and later transferred to South Dakota State University earning his degree in Mechanical Engineering in December 1960. Upon graduation from SDSU, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Transportation Corps. His first duty assignment was in St. Louis where he met and married the love of his life, Diane Marie Walker. They were married on September 12, 1964, when he returned from his tour in Korea.

Harley and Diane had a wonderful military career/life raising two sons, John W. Emick of Piedmont, SD and Jarrod E. Emick of Las Vegas, NV. Many fond memories were made throughout their travels included state side tours in Virginia, North Dakota, California and an overseas tour in Okinawa plus several trips to the Antarctica for Harley. But it was always known that one day the whole family would move back to the Emick farm and ranch. Diane and the boys moved back to Oral in the spring of 1979 and Harley finished his 20-year military career in March of 1980, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel and joining the family at the farm and ranch. Harley's military career included two tours in Vietnam, one in Korea and two trips to Antarctica as the transportation officer. His decorations include: Bronze Star for Service (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Joint Service Commendation Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Vietnam Gallantry Crosse w/Palm, Meritorious Unit Commendation (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Meritorious Service Medal and Antarctica Service Medal.

Harley was a devoted baseball player and fan and loved coaching and watching his two sons and grandson play ball. Papa Harley rarely missed his granddaughter, Caitlynn's gymnastic meets and always had her sign the programs as he would say, "She is going to be famous someday." Papa Harley and his grandson, Cody, had their own thing and neither said much but each knew they were two peas in a pod. Papa Harley never missed Cody's games during baseball season and always gave great support. Harley was able to meet his grandson, Walker, and loved giving him rides on the four-wheeler and the "Big Blue Tractor." Every time Walker would FaceTime Diane he would ask "Where's Grandpa?" He was only able to meet his grandson, William, through FaceTime and was so happy to have that connection. He truly enjoyed company and his time with the Western South Dakota Buckaroos of which he was a member since 1987 and invited his son John to join in 2001. While Harley said very little, what he said always carried weight. He was loved by many and was a father figure to more people than most realized. His sheep, farm and ranch were his passion but his family always came first.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur & Opal Emick, sister Merrilee (Pat) Trucano and bother, Gaylord "Geezer" Emick.

Harley is survived by his wife Diane of Oral; sons John (Traci) Emick of Piedmont, SD, Jarrod (Sarah) Emick of Las Vegas, NV, four grandchildren – Caitlynn, Cody, Walker and William Emic; along with beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD. Visitation will be held at Chamberlain-McColley's Funeral Home in Hot Springs Tuesday April 4, 2017 from 5:00p.m. To 7:00p.m. Services will be Wednesday April 5, 2017 at 10:00a.m. at Prairie View United Methodist Church near Smithwick , officiated by Pastor Mark Johnsen. Burial to follow at Buffalo Gap Cemetery.