Robert L. Blythe age 98 of Belle Fourche, died Wednesday November 15, 2006 at the Spearfish Regional Hospital.

The memorial service will be held 3pm Saturday at the Christian Life Center in Belle Fourche, with Rev. Paul Howard officiating. There will be no visitation. Inurnment will be held in the Pine Slope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Samaritan Purse. Arrangements are with Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche.

Robert L. Blythe was born January 18, 1908 in Covington, Indiana. He was the son of Robert T. and Ivy (Black) Blythe. Robert grew up east of Nisland and attended Nisland schools. In 1930 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and served on the USS Puritt Destroyer near Cuba and the Panama Canal. In 1931 he was discharged due to his father's disability and he returned to the family farm. He was married to Margaret Helmer soon after. Following their marriage they continued farming and Robert later worked for American Colloid for 13 years. He also worked construction and helped build the Belle Fourche High School. In the early 1970's he retired and following, worked for three years at the Butte County Courthouse.

Robert was an avid fisherman and carried many stories with him. He also enjoyed hunting, gun and coin collecting. Even in his older years, you could find him riding three and four wheelers which he really liked to do. Robert was a special man, a special father, and will be greatly missed by many people.

Robert is survived by his son, Kenneth of Lakeport CA; daughter, Shirley Leidenfrost of Murrieta CA; 3 grandchildren; and 6 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; sister, Allie Anderson; and brother, Oscar Blythe.

May God Bless the Memory of Robert L. Blythe.