Roy Arthur Housman

Roy Arthur Housman, born September 21, 1945, at Station Hospital, Ft. McPhearson, Fulton Co., Atlanta, Georgia, passed away on June 8, 2024. Roy lived a life rich with dedication to his family, community, and country.

Roy's early years were spent in Doraville, Georgia, until his father was discharged from the Army, and the family returned to their roots in Huron, South Dakota. Growing up in Huron, Roy was an active member of the scouting community, progressing through Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Explorer Scouts. He earned his keep through various jobs, including newspaper delivery, grocery carryout, carpentry, and grounds maintenance at the South Dakota State Fair.

Roy attended Huron Public Schools, graduating in 1963. While still in high school, he joined the South Dakota National Guard. After graduation, he completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, and was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry, 5th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado. Upon his separation from active duty, Roy moved to Brookings, South Dakota.

Roy pursued higher education at South Dakota State University, majoring in Range Land Ecosystem Management in the College of Agriculture, graduating in 1968. After graduation, he moved to Madison, South Dakota, to be near his fiancée until she graduated from college.

Roy married Sharon at Sun Prairie Baptist Church in rural McCook County, South Dakota. The couple moved to Eagle, Idaho, where Roy worked for the Department of School and Public Lands in Boise. He later worked part-time with the Weiser River Conservation District and the USDA Soil Conservation Service. Accepting a full-time position with the Soil Conservation Service, Roy's career took him to Sparks, Nevada, and then on to various locations including Medicine Bow, Wyoming (living in Hanna), McIntosh, South Dakota, Belle Fourche, South Dakota (living in Spearfish), and Rapid City, South Dakota. Roy retired after an impressive 32 years and 7 months of federal service.

In his retirement, Roy lived in the family home in Meade County, South Dakota. He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond; mother, Fannie; brother, Eugene; and sister, Peggy. He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon; daughters, Tracie Lynn Crawford (Justin) and Toni Jo Jacobs (Maurice Holmes); and eight grandsons: William Housman, Tristen Jacobs, Austin Crawford, Raiden Crawford, Trevor Jacobs, Connor Crawford, Mason Crawford and Tyler Holmes.

Roy's legacy endures through his family and the countless lives he touched with his dedicated service and presence on this earth. His ashes will be scattered at a site of his choosing, alongside the ashes of several beloved family dogs that preceded him.

Roy will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his family, his country, and his work. His memory will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him. A memorial will be set up in his name. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations that will be applied to a memorial in his name.