Darrel Jones

Funeral services for Darrel Jones were held on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Union Congregational Church in Gregory, SD, with Pastor John Granchie officiating.

Music was provided by Jeanie Kotrba and De-Nalda Fortuna, pianists, and Geoff Smith, soloist. Shayla Berg and JoJo Berg were in charge of registration, and flower attendants were Lori Kaupp and Lea Schell.

Casket bearers were Steve Wonnenberg, Hank Wonnenberg, Andy Wonnenberg, Leon Kerner, Bob Wetzler, and Mike Whitley. Honorary casket bearers were Darrell’s many friends and neighbors. Interment was in the Hillview Cemetery in Dallas, SD, with military honors by the Gregory American Legion and the National Honors Team. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Darrell Leroy was born on February 8, 1940, in Gregory, SD, to Albert William and Ida Opal (Combs) Jones. He was the oldest of three children and attended school at Jeppeson Country School, graduating from Gregory High School in 1958. Darrell met Sandra Bonnell Kaupp at a barn dance near Carlock, and they were married on August 3, 1964, at the Union Congregational Church in Gregory, SD. They had two daughters, Susan Ellen and Tara Lynn.

Darrell served in the U.S. Army National Guard for eight years and earned the rank of Sergeant. He was a member of the Union Congregational Church in Gregory, SD, where he served over 40 years on the church board. He was active in the American Legion in Dallas and in Gregory, Jaycees, and SD Pork Producers. During his working years he farmed and ranched for over 50 years raising livestock. He drove school bus and started his business as a livestock order buyer for many ranchers in the tri-state area. He managed the Gregory American Legion with his wife Sandra for 20 years. In his latest years, he hauled livestock for neighbors, friends, and family until he fully retired in 2022.

Darrell had an unconditional love for his family and friends. He especially cherished the time with his grandkids and grand dogs. He enjoyed attending livestock auctions. He also enjoyed going to dances at Carlock, planting a garden, cooking and baking, hunting, playing cards, road trips, and having coffee with his friends.

Darrell Leroy Jones, age 83, of Gregory, SD, passed away on Monday, November 6, 2023, at Avera Gregory Hospital.

Darrell is survived by his wife Sandra; children, Susan (Steven) Berg of Emery, SD, and Tara (Timothy) Kiley of Gregory, SD; three grandchildren, Brandon (Shayla) Berg, Lucas (JoJo) Berg, and Lindsey Berg (fiancé Lucas Henry); brother Dennis (Carol) Jones of Broken Bow, NE; nieces, nephews, cousins, many in-laws, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother Eldon; his grandparents; his in-laws Oswald and Ellen Kaupp; and three brothersinlaw Oswald John Kaupp, Curtis Kaupp, and Michael Kaupp.