Kenneth Merrill Horsley, 66, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2018, at Rapid City Regional Hospital. Cremation has taken place and interment will be held at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, S.D. No public services are planned. A private remembrance will be held for immediate family at a later date. Kenneth was born March 23, 1952, in Rapid City, S.D. He was adopted by his parents, Dale and Velma (Linn) Horsley. He graduated in 1970 from Holbrook High School. After high school he attended Northern Arizona University. In March of 1974 he joined the United States Navy where he was stationed on the guided missile cruiser, USS Halsey. Kenneth proudly served until March 1978 when he was honorably discharged. Kenneth married Madeline Victor in 1979 and to this union two children were born, Acacia and Kenneth Jr. Madeline and Kenneth were married for 30 years before divorcing. In his spare time, Kenneth loved to fish. He also played guitar and enjoyed singing in his younger days. He was a devout Christian and he felt it was his mission to spread the word of God. Kenneth had a larger than life personality and he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was extremely proud of his Native American heritage. He will be missed by all those that knew and loved him. Grateful for having shared in his life are his daughter, Acacia Horsley; son, Kenneth Horsley Jr.; brothers, Richard (Shanda) Horsley and Michael Horsley; sisters, Laura (Willie) Rosas and Violet Diane Greene (Paul Tue); and one granddaughter, Akacia Horsley. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Velma Horsley; and sisters, Debra Horsley and Della Herrman. Black Hills Funeral Home of Rapid City, S.D., handled the arrangements.
