Major Humbert Raymond (Ray) Raposa, USAF, Ret., 83, passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2015, at Rapid City Regional Hospital. Ray was born December 29, 1931, in Fall River, Massachusetts, to Francisco and Rosalina (Dias) Raposa. His parents were immigrants from the Azores, Portugal. Ray often said he didn’t learn English until he attended elementary school. After graduating from high school in 1953, he enlisted in the US Air Force. He earned many distinguished awards during his twenty year military career. As a veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, he earned the National Defense Service medal with a Bronze Star. He was proud of his service as an intelligence planner and navigator with the Strategic Air Command. On January 12, 1957, he was united in marriage to Mary Regina (Yeo) Raposa, and to this union were added six children: Margaret (Mark) VanDerWerff, Armour, SD; Michele Raposa, Nisland, SD; Raymond Allen (Denise) Raposa, O’Fallon, MO; Maryann (David) Knoll, Platte, SD; Richard (Susan) Raposa, Rapid City, SD; and Barbara (Steve) Sachs, Rapid City, SD.Upon retirement from the Air Force on May 31, 1972, at Ellsworth, AFB, Ray settled his family in Sturgis, SD where he owned and operated Key City Glass and Mirror for many years. In the 1980’s he purchased Mann’s Trailer Court in Sturgis; serving his tenants, he provided a ministry of grace to others and often shared his home with Christian ministries and friends. He resided in Sturgis until his death. In his younger years, Ray enjoyed sailing, golfing, and taking his family camping and fishing in the Hills. In his retirement, he became an avid fisherman and enjoyed his grandchildren and riding his motorcycle, especially during the Rally. He loved the Lord and sharing his faith. He will be missed by family and friends; his companions at the trailer court, especially Abdollah and Rudy; his fishing buddies at Cox Lake; and his longtime, devoted friend, Jerry Bertolotto.He is survived by his children; one sister, Seraphina Smith, Dallastown, PA; 23 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Manuel (Jean) Raposa; George (Curly) Rapoza; and one niece, Francis Boscombe.A memorial has been established. Behrens-Wilson Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements and condolences may be conveyed to the family at behrenswilson.com.