Darrel Barry

Darrel “Beechnut”  Barry died Monday, May 15, 2017, at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center at Fort Meade, S.D. 

 

Darrel was born Feb. 15, 1929, in New Underwood, S.D. at his Grandma Barry’s home to Emory E. and Clara C. (Welfl) Barry. He attended grade school at the Barry School in the Haydraw area. He then stayed in a dormitory during the week while attending high school in New Underwood. He lettered in football and graduated in 1947. 

 

Following high school, he worked for Strong Dirt Work running large equipment and continued ranching and rodeoing until entering the U.S. Marine Corps in 1951. He was ship bound for Japan and Korea. Following his discharge in 1954, he returned to the family ranch until 1957. Darrel married Viola F. Ness March 30, 1957, in Broadus, Mont., by a woman justice of the peace. He worked at the Sturgis sale barn for a short time before starting his seven years with Western Cattle Company at Hart Ranch. He then moved to Two Rivers as a foreman. In 1964, he moved his family to the home place south of Union Center where he continued ranching. In the 1980s he started working for Meade County as an equipment operator. He then was a Korkow Rodeo stockman and continued his lifetime support of high school and 4-H rodeos, where he also taught rodeo schools. Darrel retired as a brand inspector at age 84.

Along with his many endeavors he was a member of Farmer’s Union, life member of the Sturgis V.F.W. American Legion, past post commander of the New Underwood American Legion, and the Saddle Tramps of New Underwood. 

 

He received the United Nations service medal, Korea service medal, and the National Defense service medal. Some of Darrel's hobbies included his leather working, participating in trail rides, playing cards, pulling pranks, and never ending “bull” sessions.

 

Darrel is survived by his wif,e Viola; and their children, Darrel W. Barry, Cheryl Pullins, Rod (Terri) Barry, Pam (Rick) Scott, Wade (Cleo) Barry and Shannon (Drew) Holmquist; 16 grandchildren, Corey (Heather) Barry, Cody Pullins, Nikki Pullins, Tessa (Wes) Sufficool, Danni (Tom) Barry, Tyler Barry, Alisha Barry, Mary Barry, Allen Scott, Lisa (Duane) Bennett, Kyle Scott, David (Lexi) Scott, Wade (Stephanie) Barry, Taylor Barry, Tawny Barry, and Windsor Barry. Seven great-grandchildren; Connor Dove and Kaylee Barry; Allie and Tate Scott; Caleb Bennett; Brynlee Rudolph and Emory Barry.

Funeral services were Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at the Central Meade County Community Center in Union Center, with Pastor Harold Delbridge officiating. 

 

Interment, with military honors, was at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.