John Robert Whitford, 81, of Hot Springs, SD was born March 28, 1931 in Carter, SD to Frank and Clara (Craw) Whitford. John passed away Thursday, June 14, 2012 at the Hot Springs VA Medical Center after a very brief illness. After John attended grade school in Carter, he attended High School in Winner, SD and graduated in the Class of 1949. John had just begun attending Black Hills Teachers College when he was drafted into the US Army for the Korean War in 1950. John was sent to both basic training, advanced basic training and when he was done was loaned to the French Foreign Legion. He was stationed in Fontainebleau France and was a secretary for the head of NATO at the time.

Upon John's discharge he returned to college at Black Hills Teachers college where he met his future bride Irene Cummings. They were married May 29, 1955 and made their home in Spearfish Vets-ville while he finished his undergraduate degrees in Education, History, and English. John taught at Winner High School and attended Graduate School in the summers at the University of South Dakota. During his tenure in Winner, his daughter Mary was born. He achieved a Masters Degree in Psychology in 1961. John received a scholarship to the University of North Dakota to pursue his Doctorate in Psychology and completed most of the program before choosing to leave in fear of not being employable in school systems at that time with such a degree. John's daughter Margaret was born during the families residence in North Dakota.

In 1962 John accepted a position with the Belvidere School where he remained until 1965 when he accepted a job as Superintendent of the Oelrichs, SD School District. He remained at Oelrichs until 1980 as the Superintendent as well as teaching French. Their son Mark was born while they lived in Oelrichs. It was while living in Oelrichs that John underwent Emergency Medical Technician Training and was a founding member of the Oelrichs Ambulance Association.

In 1980 John accepted a position as School Guidance Counselor and Psychological Tester in Martin, SD. He also became involved with the Ambulance Association in Martin which was much more active and diverse and allowed him to expand and develop his skills.

John and Irene moved back to Oelrichs in 1989 and he accepted a position as School Counselor and Tester at Loneman Day School and the Loneman branch of OLC. He worked there until his retirement. After his health began to decline, John and Irene made their home in Hot Springs. Irene passed January 8th, 2008. In 2009, John moved to the South Dakota State Veterans Home in Hot Springs where he made his home until his passing.

John was an voracious reader, enjoyed creative writing and drawing. He enjoyed growing flowers and gardening. He greatly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. John was also a member of the American Legion and VFW over the years.

Surviving John are his brother Jerry Whitford of Ashland, NE, daughter Mary (Russel) Bledsoe and Margaret (Robert) Evans of Hot Springs and his son Mark of Seattle. He also leaves behind 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Irene, and his parents.

Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 19, 2012, at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at McColley's Chapel of the Hills with Pastor Morris Nelson officiating. Interment will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery in Hot Springs.
A memorial has been established at the Hot Springs Public Library. In Lieu of flowers please make a donation directly to the library in John's name.

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