Harley Hill, age 93

Harley Hill

 

Harley Hill, age 93, passed away on May 25, in Gregory, S.D. 
He was born June 30, 1922, to Rollie and Eva Hill, on the family homestead north of Gregory. His mother was not happy with the doctor's fee of $25. He joined his sister and only sibling, Marcellene. 
Harley traveled by horseback with his big sister to rural schools in Gregory County during the Depression. He graduated from Burke High School in 1940, along with his future wife, Katherine Neuroth. 
Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Harley enlisted in the Navy and Katherine entered nurse’s training at St. Vincent's in Sioux City, Iowa, graduating a registered nurse in 1944. They married later that year on September 22, 1944, while stationed in Beeville, Texas.
When Harley entered naval flight training, he was assigned to Yankton College for ground school. He was later stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas, for primary flight school. He received his wings on June 3, 1944, and was commissioned a Navy Air Corps Ensign. Harley was then assigned as a primary flight instructor in Beeville, Texas, where he taught touch-and-go night landings. His final assignment was Atlanta, Georgia, training pilots to be flight instructors. His favorite plane was the Stearman Model 75. 
The war ended and Harley was honorably discharged on November 29, 1945, in Chicago.
Harley and Kate returned to Gregory where they operated a hardware store and Harley also managed the Gregory airport along with flight instruction to many Gregory County residents. 
They had four children between 1950 and 1966. Harley started a construction company in 1947 building houses, motels and commercial buildings in South Dakota and Nebraska over the years. Some of these homes are a part of Hill's First Addition to Gregory.
In 1951, Harley purchased a ranch on the Missouri River leading to his retirement from flying after crashing his Piper Cub checking cattle. He started raising Quarter Horses during this time and stood several stallions for breeding services. He enjoyed his many years of raising and showing horses throughout the Midwest. 
He was a life member of the AQHA and served in all offices of the SDQHA, president in 1962. Along with the construction business, he farmed and ranched in Gregory County his entire life. Harley drove school bus to many sporting events in his retirement years and was an avid Gregory Gorilla Fan.
Harley took up golf in his early 70s and shot under his age several times in his LATE 80s on his home course. He played every course in western South Dakota. 
He took up artistic painting in his 80s and painted many homesteads, horses, and portraits of his grandkids. He won several awards through the Dakota MasterWorks Art Shows over the years. His artwork is on display throughout Gregory County. He was also active in the Gregory American Legion over the years.
Highlights in Harley's later years was going on a WWII Honor Flight traveling from Rapid City to Washington, D.C., with a west river crew. He was honored as the Gregory July 4th Parade Marshal for his 90th birthday. Harley was the resident historian of Gregory County and could remember every team of mules and good cutting horse in the country. He was the go-to-guy for the history of many families and milestones in the area.
Harley Henry Hill is survived by Katherine, residing at Silverleaf in Philip; his four children, Rollie (Elle) Hill of Rapid City; Randy (Dolores) Hill of Dallas, Texas; Donna (Ray) Smith of Philip; DeAnn Hill of Omaha, Neb.; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two great-great-granddaughters; and sister, Marcie Peterson of Cameron Park, Calif.
Funeral services were held Saturday, May 28, at the United Methodist Church in Gregory with Pastor Royal Archer officiating.
Chelsea Hill and Riley Hill were in charge of registration. Elmer Karl gave the eulogy. Casket bearers were Doug Pochop, Gavin Pochop, Ray Smith, Jordan Smith, Ace Arizmendis and Brandon Arizmendis.
Military honors were given by the Gregory American Legion and the Navy Reservists.
Burial will take place in a private service at a later date.

The Pioneer Review

221 E. Oak Street
Philip, SD 57567
Telephone: (605) 859-2516
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