Lt. Colonel Wayne Ralph Bratcher, 95, of Belle Fourche, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2026, following a brief illness.

Born July 4, 1931, near Canyon, Texas, Wayne grew up in Oklahoma and Texas and graduated from Pleasant Grove High School in 1948. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Southern Methodist University in 1952 before entering the United States Air Force in 1953. After completing the Aviation Cadet Program, he received his pilot wings and commission in 1954.

While in flight training, Wayne met Ann, the love of his life. They married on September 3, 1955, and shared 57 years together until her passing in 2012. During a distinguished 29-year Air Force career, Wayne served as an aircraft commander, instructor pilot, maintenance officer, and squadron commander. His assignments included Louisiana, Newfoundland, Texas, South Dakota, and a tour in Thailand. He retired from the Air Force in December 1982 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

After retirement, Wayne and Ann settled in western South Dakota, where they devoted themselves to horses, youth programs, and community service. Wayne was active with the Ellsworth Air Force Base Riding Stables, Pennington County 4-H, the Nomads 4-H Club, the South Dakota 4-H Horse Committee, the Central States Fair Board, and the Pennington County Extension Board. In 1992, he was honored as South Dakota Horseman of the Year. In 1995, Wayne and Ann fulfilled a lifelong dream by establishing a Quarter Horse ranch near Belle Fourche. He also remained active with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, helping provide military honors for fellow veterans.

Wayne will be remembered for his love of family, country, horses, and helping others. His quiet generosity, strong work ethic, and commitment to mentoring young people left a lasting impact on countless lives.

Wayne is survived by his children: Jim (Theresa) Bratcher, Bob (Jen) Bratcher, Nancy (Dale) Clark, and Betsy (Forrest) Chapman; ten grandchildren: Jacque, Gavin (Hannah), Christina (Douglas), Austin (Deborah), Jody (Nick), Aaron (Emily), Ben (Allie), Emma (Alex), Summer (James), Justice; Great-Grandkids: Daymion, Devin, Christian, Kenla, Logan, Mila, Gage, Kylee, Dakota, Luna, and Scarlet. He is also survived by niece Karen (Lynn) King, her children and his niece Gail’s husband Stretch TeBeest and their children. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann; infant daughters Ann and Mary; his sister Arlene and brother-in-law Richard Furrh; niece Gail TeBeest, grandson Dakota Bratcher; and great-nephew Kasey King;

His legacy of service, kindness, and devotion to family will be cherished by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Pennington County 4-H Association, the Belle Fourche Volunteer Fire Department, or a program to support Veterans.

The funeral service will be held 12 noon Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at Leverington Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche, with Pastor Andy Anderson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place at Black Hills National Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Belle Fourche Veterans Honor Guard.