Ronald E. Chaplin, age 69 of Yankton, SD formerly of Huron, SD passed away Thursday, August 10, 2017 at the Wakonda Heritage Manor, Wakonda, SD.

Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday, August 14, 2017 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Crematory, Yankton, SD with the family present. In memory of Ron, the Patriot Guard will stand in his honor during his visitation.

His funeral service will be 1:00 PM, Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at the Welter Funeral Home in Huron, SD. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service on Tuesday. Burial will be in the Altoona Cemetery, Hitchcock, SD with military graveside rites provided by the American Legion Post 84 of Hitchcock, SD and the SD Army National Guard.

Ronald Eugene Chaplin was born November 2, 1947 in Huron, SD to Mr. & Mrs. Richard S. (Esther A. Farmer-Wright).  He attended Bonilla, Wolsey and Tulare schools, graduating in 1966.  He enlisted in the Army in August of 1966 and was discharged in May 1974 and was awarded the Purple Heart in August 1971.  He was a member of the VFW Post # 1776, Huron, SD.

After returning from Vietnam, he worked for Bell Helicopter in 1978 in Iran until "Iranian Crisis" evacuated all of the American citizens.  While in Iran he married Patchara Sunapol, divorcing her a couple years later.   He married Karen Baseler on October 5, 1985 in Aberdeen, SD.  Since returning from Iran, he held various jobs in Huron until 1986 when he started his own business (Chaplin Transportation) transporting railroad crews.  In March 1997 the family moved to Yankton where he worked various jobs until he became disabled due to health issues.

Ronald is survived by his wife, Karen of Yankton, SD; one daughter, Amanda Stephenson and one grandchild, Jordon; two sisters, Pat (Russ) Hotchkiss and Barb (Mike) Bauer of Huron, SD; two brothers, Charles (Joe) Wright of Utah and Donald (Diane) Herman of Watertown, SD and several nieces and nephews.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Dennis and one sister, Sharon.