Donald Shelley Loomis
May 17, 1941 — September 15, 2022
Donald Shelley Loomis of Chester, SD, 81 years of age, passed away peacefully at Avera McKennan hospital in Sioux Falls with his son Eric by his side. Private family services will be held at a later date.
Donald was born May 17, 1941, in Worcester, Mass. He was adopted by Ethel Loomis and grew up in New Hampshire. He met Diane Zinke in Seattle, Washington and they were later married on July 1, 1967 and spent 55 years together. Don and Diane traveled to Bogota, Colombia by car where Don taught at Colegio Nueva Granada and Diane was the administrative assistant to the high school principal. While in Colombia, they adopted two children. Six years later, they moved back to the U.S. and settled in South Dakota. Don was the principal of Lyman from 1974 to 1977 and principal of Chester Area School from 1977 to 1994. Don later went on to teach at Flandreau High School and substitute taught. Don enjoyed doing home improvement projects and yardwork.
Donald is survived by his son, Eric (Shannon) of Sioux Falls, three grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Tanya.
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