Hartson Ralph White, 95, of Selby died August 20, 2013 at Selby Good Samaritan Center with his wife of 69 years and his children Nancy, Bob, Tom and their families at his side.

Hartson 'Whitey', son of Ralph and Anna (Karns) White was born on November 2, 1917 in Herried, SD. He attended grade and high school in Herreid, graduating in May 1935 and attended Mitchell Business College for one year. He returned to Herreid and was clerk in the Herreid Post Office until he entered the US Army on March 25, 1941. In January 1942 he left for overseas duty in the South Pacific and returned to the States in November 1944. Hartson was married to Irene Kluckman on November 26, 1944 in Mound City, SD. Following their marriage he was stationed at Leavenworth, KS until his discharge in August 1945.

Hartson and Irene moved to Selby in November 1945 where he worked for the North Central Propane Co-op. In 1950 Hartson and Robert Mickelson bought the North Central Propane Company and the Selby Gas Company which they operated under the name Selby Gas until his retirement in 1982. Following retirement, Hartson and Irene enjoyed over 20 years of winter months in Arizona.

Hartson was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church, Selby Commercial Club, Fredrick-Schauer American Legion Post 100, Selby Fire Department and many other community organizations. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. For over 20 years he taught Youth Hunter Safety Courses. He loved camping with his children and grandchildren.

Hartson is survived by his wife Irene; his daughter, Nancy (Marvin) Kindel of Selby; sons, Robert (Lani) of Rapid City, SD, and Thomas (Renee) of Grenville, SD. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Greg (Rhonda) Stroh, Bryan Stroh, Heather (Jeremy) Jackson, Shawn Stroh, Taylor White and Karns White; five great-grandchildren and one brother, Karns White.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Mary Lee Hoerth and Phoebe Seibel.

Celebration of Life services will be held Friday at 10:30AM at St. John Lutheran Church in Selby, SD. Internment will be at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, SD. Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge is in charge of arrangements.