Donald Val Leetch was born June 30, 1921 in Scotland, SD to Clifford A. and Marie (Ide) Leetch. He attended Mitchell grade schools and White Lake High School in South Dakota, graduating in 1939. Don joined the US Navy on September 23, 1939, and was honorably discharged at Wold-Chamberlain Field, Mpls. MN on October 30th 1945. On August 22, 1953 he married Shirley Maxine Davis in Mitchell, SD, where they made their home. Don was authorized to wear American Defense Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African Campaign Medal with star, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with star, "A" device awarded to ADSM, World War II Victory Medal, and received two commendatory service entries. Aboard the USS Erie, USS Florence Nightingale, Don served in south Atlantic, Africa, invasion of Sicily in July of 1943, invasion of Marshall Island in 1944, and survived the sinking of the USS Erie from a German torpedo off Island of Curacao on November 12, 1942. Don attended Valley City State College, ND, under the V-12 Program, learned to fly under the GI Bill, worked as Admin Supply Tech in the National Guard for 29 years, was a member of the 147th Army Band, served in the SD National Guard for 33 years from July 8, 1947, to October 22 1980, and retired from Civil Service on January 7, 1978. He was a member of the Mitchell Municipal Band for 40 years, a member of Masonic Lodge in Plankinton, SD, the York Rite, and the Mitchell El Riad Shrine band for 40 years. He was a licensed amateur radio operator, volunteer at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital, the RSVP program, and Senior Citizens, and a guide at the International Balloon Museum. Don volunteered for many community projects including making calls to kids as Santa Claus. Don was a former member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church as a Licensed Chalice Bearer, Lay Minister, choir member and Sunday school teacher. He enjoyed retirement life his past 10 years in Santee, CA, close to his family and friends, was a member of St. Columba's Episcopal Church, loving father and grandfather, and avid ham radio operator. Don's sense of humor and enjoyment of life had a positive effect on everyone around him. Grateful for sharing his life are his wife Maxine; daughter Barbara Leetch (Warren Savage) of Santee, CA, son Gregory Leetch (Laurie) of Pleasanton, CA; grandchildren Jonathan, Brian and Michelle Leetch, NyCola Bouck (Chad), and great-grandchild Lucas Ahlers. He is proceeded in death by his parents and sister, Delores Earl. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to El Riad Shrine.