Samuel Rasco, Jr., age 71, of Huron, passed away on Monday, September 9, 2024 at Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. His funeral service was held at 2 p.m., on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Welter Funeral Home with burial to follow at Restlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery in Huron. Military honors will be conducted by the Huron Veteran's Council. Visitation, with his family present, was from 5-7 p.m., on Friday, September 13, 2024 at Welter Funeral Home. A prayer service and time of sharing began at 6:30 on Friday evening at the funeral home.

View Samuel's Memorial Folder

Samuel's family and friends are invited to a time of fellowship following the committal service at the cemetery to be hosted at 1365 Iowa Ave NE in Huron.

Samuel was born to Samuel and Bessie Rasco in Shreveport, Louisiana on April 18, 1953. Samuel graduated from Green Oaks High School and attended Grambling State University. He played baritone in the Gambling marching band and even travelled to Africa to perform with his bandmates. Shortly after graduating from high school, he joined the Marines and served as Military Police. After discharge from the Marine Corps, Samuel attended career school for welding. After completing his welding trade education, Samuel played bass guitar for the band First Production before starting a career as a welder. He welded twisted iron fencing and security bars in Shreveport before working on offshore oil rigs and welded for many shops in the Shreveport area. After moving to Huron, Samuel continued as a welder at Terex and most recently at Horizontal Machining and Manufacturing Inc.

Samuel and Wanda VanOverschelde married on August 3, 2007 and have lived in Huron, SD ever since. Together they raised Wanda's five children and cared for their dogs Jaygo, Roxy ("Punkin"), and Dak. One of the highlights of his later years was travelling to Shreveport to barbeque, fry fish and spend time with family and friends.

Samuel was proud to be from the Cooper Road in Shreveport, LA. He loved playing billiards and enjoying good times with friends. Most notably, Samuel was passionate for cars. For his entire adult life, Samuel owned at least one Corvette. Most recently, Samuel enjoyed cruising around town in either his white and yellow Corvettes. Travelling to car shows and attending Wheel Jam were some of the events that Samuel looked forward to.

Samuel has been a fan of the Dallas Cowboys since their inception in 1960. He would dress up in team gear and embrace his memorabilia as he cheered for his team. He and Wanda could be found at Big D's Time Out and at home rooting for the Cowboys and enjoying Crown Royal with Coke.

Samuel is survived by his wife, Wanda Rasco; sons Mandrell (Michelle) Rasco and Bryan (Naomi) Rasco; daughter Leshonda Rasco; step-daughter Stevie (Keith) Tordoff; stepsons Dylan (April Decker) Faulks, Deion (Kayler Stands) Faulks, Tyrese Theus and Romeo Theus; sisters Betty (Hewitt) Kersey, Barbara Rasco, Catherine (Joe) Laws, Brenda Gafford, and Alma Jean (Lorenzo) Lee; his brother Tommy (Regina) Rasco; brothers-in-law Steve (Deb) VanOverschelde, Darwin VanOverschelde and Alan (Nikki) VanOverschelde; sister-in-law Crystal VanOverschelde; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and stepmother-in-law Glenda VanOverschelde.

Samuel is preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law Richard and Iona VanOverschelde; and his dog Jaygo.