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Funeral services for Clayton Fischer, 89, of Mobridge will be at 10:30 AM, Thursday, June 20, 2019, at Kesling Funeral Home in Mobridge. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home. Visitation will be at 5 PM, Wednesday with a prayer service at 7 PM at the funeral home. Clayton passed away Wednesday, June 12, 2019, at his home.

Clayton Charles Fischer was born on February 5, 1930, at the family farmstead 2 ½ miles east of Wakpala, to Fred and Katie (Phillippi) Fischer. He spent his youth growing up and attending the Selzer Country School. He then attended high school at Wakpala. During his teen years he worked for the railroad on an extra gang and at the Mobridge Ice House.

On November 3, 1950, Clayton C. Fischer enlisted in the United States Army. After completing basic training at Ft. Riley, KS, he continued with the Infantry School at Ft. Benning, GA. He completed the Basic Airborne Course and graduated as a qualified Parachutist on May 25, 1951.

After successfully completing training requirements, he went on to serve in Alaska, Korea and Japan. Clayton served as a Paratrooper for three years. He was selected to be a Repair and Utility Foreman. In addition to that, he also served time as a Mail Clerk. Morse Code was part of his training over the years as well. He still has found memories of recalling the rattling off of the code while they had to decipher it onto paper.

Earning his silver Paratrooper Wings was his proudest accomplishment while in the service. With many jumps out of planes, he was only injured once. It was during a night jump with his unit, the 11 ^th Airborne Division, at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. Due to high winds, he along with many of his buddies suffered injuries.

Participating in Exercise Warm Wind was also a highlight during his career. This exercise took over a month of training and was one of the longest military airlifts on record. Training started in Ft. Campbell, KY, and ended in Big Delta, Alaska. The 503 ^rd Airborne Regimental Combat team was put through training in rigid temperatures to test equipment, supplies, and logistical support for artic fighting. The regiment had the latest cold weather gear and special clothing available. This exercise included the participation from the Air Force, Navy, and civil units of Alaska. More than 300 soldiers from his regiment participated in this maneuver.

He entered South Korea at Incheon and was there until the cease fire. It was during this time that he served as a guard for the prisoner exchange. His tour ended when he left South Korea from Pocheon. The soldiers sailed back to San Francisco, where troops trains brought them to Camp Carson, Colorado, to be discharged.

While enlisted he received two Bronze Stars, a Good Conduct Medal, two Presidential Citations, United Nations Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal and the Korean Service Medal. He received an Honorable Discharge at Camp Carson, Colorado in 1953. For the past 66 years, he has been an active member of the American Legion.

In 1956 he married Betty Martel, also from rural Wakpala. They were married at the United Congregational Church in Mobridge. They made their home at Wakpala where they farmed and ranched until retirement in 2004. Their three children, Larry, Mary and Wayne grew up on the farm as well. In 1978, Clayton and his three children were baptized at the Carmel Indian Mission in Wakpala.

Farming and ranching were more than just a job for Clayton, they were a way of Life. He enjoyed looking over the new calf arrivals each spring. Horses were a favorite pastime his entire life. As a young boy he would harness up a team and work in the fields with the men. On the weekends they would ride horses to Wakpala to enjoy the movie. The movies at that time were black and white and some were even silent. Times sure have changed with our current technology.

During his time West River he was active in the Mission Township, serving on the board for over ten years. Driving the snow plow and the road grader were some of the main duties. In the summer, the township also had a fire truck that kept the men busy. He also drove the route and activity busses for the Wakpala School for many years. Some of his fondest memories as a bus driver were making the basketball trips and getting to know the players.

After retirement in 2004, the decision was made to move to Mobridge where he has since resided.

Clayton is survived by his wife, Betty of Mobridge, children, Larry (Linda) Fischer of Trail City, Mary (Tim) Gonzales of Glenham, and Wayne (Terrie) Fischer of Eagle, CO, grandchildren, Mandy (Ryan) Crabb, Clayton (Olivia) Fischer, Barbara Ann Fischer, Loretta Fischer, Kristina Gonzales, Kevin Hulm, great grandchildren, Wyatt Crabb, Weston Crabb, and Violet Fischer.

He is preceded in death by his parents, six brothers; Clinton, Lloyd, Ralph, Clarence, Milton, Donald and one sister; Violet.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Mobridge American Legion Post #4.