John Earl (Jack) Carr, Jr.
Wed, 02/08/2017 - 11:10am
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John Earl (Jack) Carr, Jr. joined the big round-up in the sky on January 27, 2017. After a brief stay in the hospital, he peacefully passed in the presence of family.
John was born on December 24, 1924, to ranchers John Sr. and Pearl Carr of Hidden Timber. Pearl boarded the train alone for the ride to Ainsworth, Neb., to give birth.
John attended high school in Valentine, Neb., where he was active in sports and selected as King of Hearts his senior year. After graduation in 1944, he joined his father at the family ranch. He learned the fine art of fencing, breaking horses and running cattle.
On June 22, 1945, John married the “the prettiest girl ever,” Betty Lee Hewitt. They married at the home of her parents, Lucius and Hazel Hewitt and then honeymooned in Rapid City. In 1947, Jack and Betty moved to Mellette County, S.D., to begin ranching west of White River. Over 71.5 years they ranched, raised five daughters and became deeply involved in the community and ranching industry.
Jack served as mayor of White River, was a 70-year member of the Order of Eastern Star and Masonic Lodge #181, served on the State Brand Board of Stock growers and State Brand Inspector. His love of the ranching and rodeo life was reflected as President of the State High School Rodeo and Mellette County Cattle Associations. In addition, Jack ran the school scoreboard for over 40 years and worked at the Ft. Pierre Livestock Auction as ring boss for over 30 years. He served on the United Methodist Church board and is a Past Grand Guardian of Job’s Daughters. Beloved hobbies of his were wagon trains and celebration of the old west, often serving as “boss man” and coordinating drives across the prairie with horse and wagon.
John is survived by four beautiful daughters and son-in-laws, nine gorgeous grandchildren, their spouses, 15 loving great grandchildren, 10 horses, 71 cattle, two dogs, an a fabulous wife.
A funeral service was held on Friday, February 3 at the White River School. Burial followed at the Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine, Neb. Sandoz Chapel of the Pines was in charge of service arrangements.
