Richard Leroy 'Dick' Lilyard as a very young man as seen through the eyes of his mother Jo Lilyard.


Dick

He was born a wonderlust,

And always liked to roam.

We worried about him constantly,

When he was far from home.

He would sometimes telephone,

Or drop a little line,

"Don't worry about me Mom and Dad,

I'm getting along fine."

He would settle down for a little spell,

But we knew it wouldn't be long,

Until he would get that restless feeling,

And we knew he would soon be gone.

We have tried so hard to understand,

That spirit that must be free,

But until he finds a spot that's his,

We will pray-and let him be.

Richard Leroy 'Dick' Lilyard, age 89, of Hot Springs, SD, passed away September 18, 2017, at the VA Medical Center in Hot Springs.

Dick was born in Hot Springs, April 17, 1928, to Guy 'Slim' and Joanna 'Jo' (Andersen) Lilyard. From the time he left home at 15 he worked on farms, ranches, construction-even Angostura Dam. He enlisted in the Army and took his basic training in Ft. Riley, KS, and served his country from 1955, until his honorable discharge in 1958. Dick's family always admired his good attitude and grateful heart. The past 24 years he resided at Brookside in Hot Springs, and he was so content and happy there. Dick considered everyone there as his friend-such kindness!

Dick is survived by his sister, Beverly Flyte as well as many nieces and nephews.

Dick is preceded in death by his parents, Slim and Jo; sister, Phyllis Allerton and brothers-in- law, Russ Allerton and Joe Flyte.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.