Richard Doud Obituary

Richard Henry Doud was born October 23, 1928, in Midland, SD to Ralph and Grace (Whisler) Doud. He grew up in Midland, where he also attended school and graduated in 1948.

Richard started working at a very young age. His first job was working after school in the local grocery store, where one of his jobs was sorting potatoes in the root cellar. As a teenager, he started his career in farming and ranching as a hired hand for several families across the state, including a family in Raymond and in Midland for Kruse Madsen and later for Ralph and Faye Jones.

During high school, Richard excelled in basketball. People came from miles around to watch him play. His movements around the court with his long legs and arms earned him the nickname, “Spider,” which stuck with him his whole life. He was given an opportunity to play basketball in college, but family commitments kept him close to home.

After high school, Richard rode bareback in rodeos around the state. Friends and family tell stories of famous rodeo cowboys seeing Richard’s talent and encouraging him to become professional. His response to their offers was, “You can’t raise a family on the road.” Richard never entirely gave up rodeo because years later he and his sons built their own rodeo arena. They hosted Play Days on Sunday afternoons and neighbor kids came to rope, and ride broncs.

Richard and Celia (Koehler) were united in marriage on September 1, 1951. They lived in Midland briefly before moving eight miles north into Stanley County, to begin ranching and farming on their own land. Richard and Celia were blessed with three children. Richard Lee, Ronald George, and Connie Gen. With their faith in God and hard work, they grew their farming and ranching operation over the next sixty years. Rich had the joy of seeing his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren working on the same place.

Church and community remained high priorities throughout Richard’s life. He was an active member of the Midland Open Bible Church, and he served with Gideons International for many years. He was a member of the Farm Credit Board and the Second Century Club. In his later years, he volunteered his time and labor at the Midland Museum, always taking pride in his community.

Richard avoided retirement well into his 80’s. Post retirement, he enjoyed building sheds and cabins, and doing woodworking projects in his garage--building many beautiful pieces of furniture and treasure chests for family and friends. He also enjoyed restoring old horse-drawn wagons, some of which are displayed on Midland’s Main Street.

Richard and Celia celebrated 71 years of marriage on September 1, 2022.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Celia; sons, Rick (Marlis) and Ron (Shirley); seven grandchildren: Jennifer (Patrick) Hallan, Tia (Josh) Johnson, Allison (Ryan) Crago, Lindsy (Chad) Reagle, Casey (Krystle) Doud, Heidi (Kent) Sybesma, and Jared Doud; and seventeen great-grandchildren; sister, Natalie Schied; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Connie, brothers: Ralph Doud Jr. and his wife Doris, Edward Doud and his wife Dorothy, sisters: Koral Doud, Irene Stelting and her husband Eddie, Grace Audrey Torres and her husband John, nephews: LeRoy Doud, JJ Doud, Bobby Doud, Steve Doud, and Jim Woods, niece Eileen Dowty, and brother-in-law, Dick Schied.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 844 Philip, SD 57567.

Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, April 20, at Rush Funeral Home in Philip.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 21, at Open Bible Church in Midland with Pastor Randy Brock officiating.

Interment will follow at the Midland Cemetery.

Guest Book

We are truly blessed to have know Richard! Our prayers are with all the family!
~ Randy & Joy Yost Pierre, SD (4/18/2023)

I remember Rich as a warm, engaging man who I admired as I was growing up in Midland. He was such a forward-thinking cattleman and a humble achiever in life.
~ Robert Haddock OMAHA (6/28/2023)

So many memories of the awesome time I have with the Doud family May God be with all of you. Richard was wonderful person
~ Patricia Midland (4/20/2023)

My heart hurts for each and every one of you. Richard was an amazing, talented, hard working man. He will be missed by so many but the loving memories he left for each of you will live on in your hearts forever! God bless you all!!
~ Ann Cvach Midland, SD (4/18/2023)

To Celia and all the family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I was so blessed to have grown up just down the road from a great group. Hard working friendly folk for sure. Heaven gained an another angel.
~ Jenna (Tolton) Pitman Evanston, WY (4/19/2023)

We love all of you - Rich was so special - we’re praying for Celia and all of the Douds
~ Mark and Nancy Whisler Fairfax VA (4/21/2023)

Doud family
I will cherish my time getting to know Richard! What an honor it was to care for him and a blessing to know him, and his wonderful family!
I will forever cherish holidays when he’d wheel around handing out candy to all of us.
I especially enjoyed our time outside enjoying fresh air while visiting about farming and ranching.
That twinkle in his eye and the smile would make any day better!!
He was such a kind and thankful man and never complained!
He was my favorite dancing partner!
Thank you for making my days special, cowboy!
Hugs to you all and prayers of comfort!
God bless
Michelle
Richard was a super guy! What an honor to care for him and a blessing to know him! I will cherish our talks and time spent outside talking farming and ranching. His smile and twinkle in his eyes always made my days better!!
Oh how I enjoyed his stories and teasing! I will always cherish the holidays when he would wheel around and hand out candy to all of us, with a smile from ear to ear!

~ Michelle VanderMay Philip (4/21/2023)

What a beautiful service to honor Richard's life! I don't have any specific memories of him, except that he was always there-- in church, at basketball games, or at community events- quiet, humble & supportive. I also remember his big hands giving me a handshake or a hug! The twinkle in his eye always 'said' he was proud of us and loved that we youth group kids sought Jesus! Celia and your whole family have been close in my thoughts this week and will continue to be. Hugs & much love!
~ Becky Thompson Lakeville, MN (4/21/2023)

Richard and Celia were two of the nicest people, when I was growing up in Midland years ago. Our deepest sympathies to Celia and the entire family!
~ Jack and Jill Evans Colorado Springs Colorado (4/19/2023)

We're sorry for your loss. Enjoyed the time I got to know him.
~ Esther Oldenberg Philip (4/18/2023)

Celia, Rick, and Ron, So sorry to hear about Richard. My heart and prayers go out to you. So enjoy the times we did get to see you all. May God be with you all during this time.
~ Allen Rodrigue Cape Coral, Fl (4/21/2023)

Celia, Rick, Ronnie and families. So sorry for your loss, Rich was such a pleasure to have known and always willing to give and hand or teach you something. Sending my prayers.
~ Charlie Vollmer Washington (4/19/2023)

Dear Celia and Family, Such a lovely service honoring a kind man. Thank you to Jennifer for giving us touching insight into a life well lived. Love and prayers, Allyson
~ Allyson & Valin Thorn Colorado (4/22/2023)

So sorry for your loss. Prayers and prayers to your family
~ Patty Morris (Seidler) Menifee CA (4/19/2023)

SD
~ Jim and Dawn Herber Kadoka (4/20/2023)

Celia, Rick and Ron sorry to hear about Richard, our condolences and prayers are with you all.
~ Tom and Theresa Nemec SD/AZ (4/19/2023)

So sorry to hear of Richard’s passing . He lived a long and rewarding life and raised a wonderful family ! In his 94 years he instilled a legacy in his children that is hard to find ! He will be missed but not forgotten ! Condolences to Celia and the family our prayers are with you!
~ Dennis Michael Yankton SD (4/20/2023)

We have fond memories of visiting the ranch.Uncle Richard will definitely be missed. Love you both!
~ Dave and Wendy Portage, Indiana (4/20/2023)

You are in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Marie Reagle & Family Mission,SD (4/19/2023)