Robert L. Stanfield, age 87, of Wessington, passed away Wednesday, December 26, 2018, at the Huron Regional Medical Center. His funeral service was held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, January 3rd at the Kuhler Funeral Home. Burial was in the G. A. R. Cemetery at Miller. Military honors were conducted by the Hershman-Gordon Post #59, American Legion of Wolsey.
Robert L. Stanfield was born September 22, 1931, to Dean and Grace (Butts) Stanfield at Letcher. His education began at country schools and graduated from Artesian High School. Robert then enlisted in the United States Navy during the Korean War, and was honorably discharged. Robert then completed his formal education by graduating as a diesel mechanic from a trade school at Fargo, North Dakota. He worked as a diesel mechanic all of his life. In 1975, Robert began working for the South Dakota Department of Transportation, he retired in 1995.
On December 29, 1956, Robert married Billie LaVonne Joy at Sunbeam Church near Miller. They made their home in Huron until 1970, when they moved their family to Cavour. In 1975, they moved to the family farm north of Vayland, where they lived for many years. Robert and Billie then moved to Huron, Springfield, Aberdeen and back to Huron. In 1995, he moved to Wessington, where he enjoyed mowing and helping his neighbors with their yard work.
He was a member of the VFW and American Legion at Wolsey. He was also a member of the Wessington Senior Center.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Billie on August 30, 1990; one grandson, Tom; one grandson-in-law, Jesse; his long-time companion, Betty French; three brothers, Eldon, Ralph and Bruce Stanfield; and one sister, Helen Estes.
Grateful for having shared in his life are his three daughters and their husbands, Barbara and John Pollock of Clark, Bonnie and Steve Mees of Huron and Becky and Butch Downey of Cavour; eleven grandchildren, Corrine, Crissy, Matt, Carrie, Bill, Joe, Crystal, Amanda, Andrew, Kyle and Patrick; and twenty great-grandchildren. Robert is also survived by four sisters, Alice Joy of Aberdeen, Janet Bobeldyke of Huron, Betty Seter of Idaho and Donna Stanfield of Spearfish.