Harry H. Evans, age 85, of Pringle, SD, passed away on September 13, 2015, at the Custer Regional Senior Care Center in Custer.

He was born in Keystone, SD, on April 6, 1930, to Harry E. and Lucy (Rathman) Evans. He had a wonderful boyhood playing along Grizzly Creek with the Linde and Alexander families. He was his mother's favorite and every teacher's pet. Harry attended Custer High School; was the football Team Captain; Quarterback and Homecoming King. Harry and his wife, Dolly, owned and operated Evans Post and Pole and the Evans Ranch for over 65 years together in Pringle, SD. Harry had a lifelong passion for his work. He was the instructor of "Harry's College" teaching each of his children, grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and scores of neighborhood kids all the necessary skills in hunting, fishing, and carpentry and auto mechanics. "Find it, Fix it, Fuel it" was his motto.

Harry never missed a sporting event. He never drank, never smoked and rarely cussed. He was a skilled hunter, knew the best fishing holes, wild berry patches and rock piles in the Black Hills. He was a man of faith. Harry loved visiting with his many friends solving problems over the tailgate of his pickup. He was a self-taught mechanical engineer needing nothing more than a screwdriver, hammer and some baling wire to fix whatever needed to be repaired. Harry set up several sawmills and three post plants with customers in five states. Harry produced millions of posts over the course of 55 years. Through his lifetime Harry was involved in 4H, a Scout Leader, Volunteer Fireman, Rotary, Knights of Columbus member, and was involved in several conservation programs.

Harry is survived by his wife, Anna "Dolly" Marie Evans of Pringle; his children, Kathleen Deaver of San Antonio, TX; Patricia (Tom) Don Francesco of Paradise Valley, AZ; Ron Heinbaugh; David Evans of Pringle; Rosemary (Richard) Dryden of Oelrichs, SD; Lisa Anderson of Rapid City, SD; grandchildren, Annie; Kelly; Evan; Kyanne; Makayla; Michael; Joe; Heather; Heidi; Jinger; Tanner; Cody; Lacey; Luke; Nick; Tia; Will; Jobie; Jess; Lisa; Allen; special niece, Jeannie Marr, numerous nieces and nephews; sister, Loretta Roberson; sister in law, Ona Wood; and Colleen (Marty) Mahrt.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle Heinbaugh;parents; sister, Josephine; brother, Buddy; and brother in law, Leonard J. Wood.

The celebration of Harry's Life will be held at the St. John's Catholic Church in Custer on Wednesday, September 16, 2015, 7:00 p.m., with Mass of Christian Burial, Thursday, September 17, 2015, 10:00 a.m., with Graveside Rights at the Custer Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Pringle Volunteer Fire Department.