Francis Duane Veal

Francis Duane Veal "Dad" was born to Herb and Doris (Hobaugh) Veal on June 28, 1929.  He joined sister, Lucile, and brother, Clayton. Dad’s given name was Duane Francis but asked at an early age to have it changed because he thought Duane was a “sissy” name. His grandma Mary called him “baby” well into his teenage years.  Grandma Doris and Mom both would roll their eyes and giggle when this memory was revisited. Dad attended elementary school at Chance, and the company of his cousins and friends was a real joy to him.

The family and Chance community struggled with the loss of Clayton in 1934 due to a horse accident. Grandpa and Grandma moved up the creek a bit in 1937, where they made a new start with Francis and Lucile. Their house from Chance was moved on skids and pulled horseback. I think Dad’s greatest feelings of pride and accomplishment were seeing Veal Black Angus Ranch thrive into its 6th generation of committed loved ones. Dad would light up anytime talking about the place and the family still there at the helm. 

Dad enjoyed many sports and played football, basketball, and track while he was in high school.  The Chance baseball team consisted of several Veal cousins as well as neighbors and was enjoyed by the community. Dad had a passion for flying, and he began that adventure around 1945 under the tutelage of Raymond Kolb. Dad enjoyed this hobby until his heart attack in 1992; it was tough for him to give up his plane. He also was an avid fisherman and golfer.

Dad and Mom (Lorraine Anderson) were high school sweethearts both graduating from Lemmon High School in May 1948 and married on June 16, 1948.  Mom and Dad made their home on the Veal Black Angus Ranch, raising all six of their children there: Larry, Bill, Nancy, Brenda, Corbin, and Lorna.

In 1970, Dad became the president of the Meat Promoters of South Dakota which was dedicated to stopping imports of livestock into the United States.  He served the Meat Promoters for several years.

Dad was preceded in death by his parents, Herb and Doris Veal, sister and brother-in-law, Lucile and Harold Gibbons, brother, Clayton Veal, infant brother, Merle Eugene Veal, and niece, Eleanor Gibbons Smith. Our sister, Nancy, and our mom, Lorraine, went to their Heavenly homes in 2015 and 2017 respectively.

Celebrating Dad’s life this side of Heaven are children Larry (Verlyn), Bill (Jean), Brenda (Martin), Corbin, and Lorna (Kelly).  Dad took great pride in his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.  Dad is also survived by his special friend, Alma Chesnut of Rapid City. Dad loved and appreciated the wonderful staff at Peaceful Pines in Rapid City where he developed many loving relationships.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Shiners Children’s Hospital, C/O Larry Veal, PO Box 336, 110 East Baird St., Bison, SD 57620.

Service plans are as follows:

October 9, 2026: Visitation and Masonic Rites at Evanson Jensen Funeral Homes, Lemmon, SD from 4:00-6:00 PM.

October 10, 2026:  10:00 AM Funeral services at Bison Presbyterian Church with Lynn Hall officiating.  Lunch will follow at the Grand Electric Social Room.  Inurnment is scheduled for approximately 2:00 PM at the Chance Cemetery.