Raymond Edwin Chard, age 89, passed away Wednesday, May 11, 2011, at his home in Custer, SD.

Ray was born July 24, 1921, in Custer, SD, to Richard P. and Constance (Johnson) Chard. He graduated from Custer High School in 1939 and the South Dakota State University at Brookings in 1949, with a Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering.

Ray served in the Army Air Corp during WWII as a flight instructor and a C-47 pilot stationed in Orleans, France. He flew a glider plane transporting troops in Rhine Crossing.

On October 31, 1950, he married Evelyn Smith in Custer. Ray was employed by the US Bureau of Reclamation on the Keyhole Dam in Wyoming and Pactola Dam in South Dakota. He also worked with the Bureau in Sacramento, CA, US Corp of Engineers at Lowry Field, Missile Operations in Denver, CO.
Ray finished his Civil Engineering career from the US Air Force Academy in Colorado, CO. Ray was a life member of the VFW.

Survivors include his wife, Evelyn Chard of Custer; daughter, Connie (Rick) Wellington of Custer; daughter-in-law, Liz Chard of Colorado Springs, CO; four grandchildren, Kelly (Jay) Roach; Raymond Chard; Walter Chard and Jeff Wellington; and two great grandchildren, Aaron Roach and Tyler Roach.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Jack, two sisters and one brother.

Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Sunday, May 15, 2011, at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, May 16, 2011, at Custer Lutheran Fellowship in Custer with Pastor Tom Opoien officiating. Burial with military honors will be held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, May 16, 2011 at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.

A memorial has been established in Ray's name to benefit Custer Lutheran Fellowship.

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