Archived Services

Donald Eugene Futrell
09-15-2020

Donald (Don) Eugene Futrell, 89 passed away peacefully on Tuesday September 15, 2020 in Sioux Falls. Don was born on April 16, 1931 to Joseph and Kathryn (Jennings) Futrell. He attended Cathedral High School in Sioux Falls. After graduating from high school, Don attended St. John’s University in Minnesota where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in philosophy. 

Don was united in marriage with the love of his life, Lois Colleen Erickson on August 29, 1952 in Sioux Falls SD. They were married 38 years at the time of Colleen’s death in 1990. Don and Colleen were blessed with 5 wonderful children whom they both adored! 

After serving 2 years in the US Army Don had a variety of jobs, all of which he excelled at, including Morrell’s, Nettleton College and Raven Industries. He retired from Raven Industries but that could not stop him from working. After his retirement Don wanted to stay busy and worked part time as a courtesy driver for Vern Eide in Sioux Falls which was a perfect job for him because he could chat with people all day long. 

Don enjoyed a variety of things in his life, his true passion and joy was dancing. Don spent many years on the dancing scene where most of the time he was the spotlight of the dance floor. He was also a great speaker and story teller, skills which he developed through his many years of lecturing at Christ the King Church and teaching The Dale Carnegie Course. He was a member of Christ the King Church, the Knights of Columbus and at age 84 was the oldest member of Planet Fitness in Sioux Falls. 

Don has spent the last few years residing at Grand Living at Lake Lorraine in Sioux Falls. He loved his apartment and the staff as well as meeting even more people. He truly meant it when he said there are no strangers in life, only friends you haven’t met yet.

Grateful for having shared his life are his five children: Kathleen Hawks-Bachman (Paul) Sioux Falls SD, Tom Futrell, Tucson, AZ, Mary Sue Nelson (Tim), Rockford IL, John Futrell (Ronda Bartscher) Sioux Falls, SD, and Scott Futrell, Tucson AZ; seven grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and friends beyond count. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, sisters: Delores Pennington (Rollie), Shirley, Mary Ann Ketter (John) and Barbara; a brother: Cletus; a son-in-law: Randy Hawks, and a granddaughter: Elyssa Hawks.

Visitation will be Friday, September 18, 4:30 PM at Christ the King Church with a Scripture Vigil and a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 6:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, September 19, 10:30 AM at Christ the King Church.