Ronald Howard French, 75, of Rapid City, SD, passed away October 28, 2019, at Rapid City Regional Hospice House in Rapid City, SD.

Ronald was born in Custer on February 14, 1944, to Howard and Beulah (Gould) French.  He graduated from Edgemont High School in 1963.  Football was a big part of Ron's life in high school and college.  After graduating from Northern State College, he started his teaching career at Lake Andes, SD.

In 1970, he moved to Faulkton, SD, where he taught until he retired from teaching in 1994 and moved to Aberdeen, SD, where he was active in Yelduz Shrine and Army Reserve.  During his 25 years in the Army Reserve, Ron was called to active duty for Desert Storm in 1991.  Ron married Jackie Kennedy Groves on February 17, 2001.  They lived in Aberdeen until 2004 when they moved to Custer.  While living in Custer he enjoyed volunteering at Outlaw Ranch.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Beulah French.

Ron is survived by his brother, Marvin and Joan (Jacobson) French of Hill City SD; and nephews, Christopher and Jason French both of Severance, CO.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 2, 2019 at Custer Lutheran Fellowship Church in Custer.  Visitation will be held one-hour prior at 9:00 a.m.   Committal services will follow at the Custer Cemetery in Custer.

A memorial has been established in Ron's name and maybe sent to Outlaw Ranch, 12703 Outlaw Ranch Rd., Custer, SD.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Custer, SD.