John Wesley Hackworth

RAPID CITY - John Wesley Hackworth, 86, passed away on Sun., Sept. 14, 2008, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital Hospice Auxiliary House of metastatic lung cancer (he never smoked). John was born on Nov. 16, 1921, to Harvey H. and Anna (Petr) Hackworth in Mission, Todd County, SD. John grew up in Mellette County near White River. At the age of 17, John joined the CCC's (Civilian Conservation Corps). He then served his country during WWII in the European Theatre. After the war, he lived in Lander, Casper and Lovell, WY for several years. John moved to the Los Angeles area and lived there for 37 years. There, he retired from McDonnell Douglas Aircraft (now Boeing). John returned home to SD three years ago to be closer to immediate family after the death of his wife, Jeanette. He settled in Rapid City and was a member of the Canyon Lake Senior Citizens. He also belonged to the American Legion Post #0094 at White River. John was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette; his parents; his brothers, George and Henry Hackworth of Sturgis; his sister Lola Hackworth Urbanek, Torrington, WY; and his infant sister, Carrie Hackworth (identical twin of Annie). John is survived by his brother, Charles Hackworth, Torrington, WY; his sister, Annie (Francis) Navin, Rapid City; his sister-in-law, Laura Hackworth, Sturgis; a step-grandson, Justin Rydlek, New Mexico; two step-granddaughters, Lesli, San Diego, and Traci of Yuma, AZ; and one step-great-granddaughter. Other survivors include many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, many cousins, a host of friends in the Black Hills and White River areas, as well as those in California. John's family wishes to thank Dr. Steven Waltman, his nurse, Barb, and all the staff at the Rapid City Medical Center Mid-Town Clinic and to all the staff and volunteers at the Hospice House. A special thanks to Becky Knapp, RN, who cared for John at home before he moved to the Hospice House. We are truly grateful and may God bless you all! In lieu of flowers, John requested that those wishing to donate may send their Memorials to the Rapid City Regional Hospital Hospice House at 224 Elk St, Rapid City, SD 57701. Any correspondences may be sent to his sister, Annie J. Navin at P.O. Box 3833, Rapid City, SD 57709. Rest in Peace Until We Meet Again! Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Fri., Sept. 19, with Funeral Services following at 11 a.m. at Serenity Springs Funeral Chapel, with Pastor J.D. Bowman officiating. A luncheon will begin at noon at the Sandtrap Grill & Bar located at Meadowbrook Golf Course. Interment will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Sturgis Honor Guard. You may send condolences to the family at www.serenityspringsfuneralchapel.com.