Robert D. Embree

RAPID CITY - Robert D. Embree, 80, resident of the Rapid City area for 54 years, passed from this life on April 26, 2011, at Rapid City Regional Auxilary Hospice House, surrounded by his family.

Bob was born Sept. 30, 1930, in Cherry County at Valentine, Neb., the son of Philip H. and Maude I. Crossett Embree. He attended country school graduating from Washabaugh County.

He married Donna R. Good Sept. 5, 1951, in Pierre. They began their married life ranching west of Long Valley. In the fall of 1956 they moved to Denver, where Bob received his licensing diploma from State Barber College of Colorado. The family returned to Rapid City in 1957, where Bob was employed as a professional barber. He was voted "Barber of the Year" also elected President of the State Barber Association of which he was a charter member. Bob also served as secretary/treasurer of the Association for several years. After approximately 14 years of barbering he was then employed by Barber Transportation Company for 17 years followed by employment as a civilian at Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Bob has been a member of the South Canyon Baptist Church since August 2001. He was a past member of the Mount Rushmore Masonic Lodge 220, Moose Lodge and Elks Club.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Donna; four children, Kathy J. (Chris) Howie of Hermosa, David D. (Janet) Embree, of Rapid City, Robert P. (Cheryl) Embree, of Black Hawk and Connie K. Whiting, of Rapid City; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a brother, Paul H. Embree of Rapid City; along with other dear relatives.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Maude; a brother, James; three sisters, Dolly Bond, Mildred Scholl and Anna Mae Gropper; a half sister, June Stinton; and two grandsons, Matthew D. Embree and Nick Gunter.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, April 29, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home, 2700 Jackson Blvd.

Funeral services will be at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 30, at South Canyon Baptist Church, 3333 West Chicago St., with Pastor Brent Reeves officiating. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be sent to 3440 Corral Drive, Apt. 301, Rapid City, SD 57702.

His online guestbook may be signed at www.osheimschmidt.com.