Gary G. Smither

Gary George Smither, 87, of Rapid City, South Dakota, passed away Nov. 26, 2025, surrounded by family. Gary was born April 23, 1938, to Claude and Helen Smither in Atlantic. He grew up in Anita and graduated from Anita High School in 1956. After graduating, he joined the Air Force and was stationed at Cambria Air Force Base and San Clemente Island Force Station in California until 1960.

He continued his education at Southwest Community College in Creston, graduating in 1962. It was there he met the love of his life, Judy Holliday. The two were married on July 15, 1962, and shared 56 years of marriage until Judy’s passing in 2019.

In 1963, Gary proudly re-enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his 20 years of honorable service, he served as a heavy ground radar electronics technician, an electronic instructor for A/B Navigation Systems and later as a medical administration supervisor. Gary earned several military awards recognizing his exceptional performance and leadership. Gary’s Air Force career took him and his young family to bases in Mississippi, Minot and Grand Forks, North Dakota, Iceland, Massachusetts, Ramstein, Germany, and finally to Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, where he retired in 1980 at the rank of technical sergeant.

Some of his family’s most cherished memories were made during their time in Germany, where weekends were often spent exploring castles along the Rhine River. Following his assignment to Ellsworth in 1974, Gary and Judy made Rapid City their permanent home. After his Air Force retirement, Gary served in civilian roles with the South Dakota Department of Health, Sears and the Veterans Administration. His passion for education led him to Black Hills State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in 1989 and his Bachelor of Science in Education in 1993. He went on to teach in the school systems of Custer, Buffalo and New Underwood, where he was known for his humor and dedication to his students.

Gary was a 50-year Freemason with the Grand Lodge of Iowa and cherished his time as a Shrine clown while stationed in Ramstein. In retirement, Gary was an active member of the local chapter of The Enlisted Association, serving in numerous officer positions and was a member of the American Legion and DAV.

He enjoyed walleye fishing, Western movies and studying World War II history. He was also a lifelong fan of the Green Bay Packers and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Above all, Gary loved his family.

He is survived by his son, Mark (Barbara) Smither of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; his daughter, Minda (Rich) Parsons of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his grandchildren: Jacob Smither, Maggie Smither, Robby Parsons and Gavin (Kenzie) Parsons and his great-grandson Elias Parsons.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judy.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City. For full service details, please visit www.kirkfuneralhome.com.