John Stovall

Submitted Story

Published: Wednesday, December 17th, 2008

  John W. Stovall was born to Julia Blanche (Son) Stovall and John Walter Stovall, Sr., in Dickins, Texas, on June 15, 1915. John loved the life of growing up a cowboy. From an early childhood on the West Texas plains to the prairies of South Dakota, he faced adversity and challenge with courage and rewards. At a very young age, after the death of his father, John became part of a very loving ranch family, the Frank Miller Family of Fluvanna, Texas. On the Miller Ranch he became a “top hand” breaking horses and becoming a tough rodeo competitor. He joined the Cowboy Turtles in 1939, the first Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association. It was during this time that he traveled with the Rodeo Train from Texas to Madison Square Garden in New York City with many rodeo greats. It was an exciting time of driving the rodeo stock down 5th Avenue with a tickertape parade and attending the World’s Fair in Chicago. At the start of World War II, the U.S. Government was looking for men to break and train horses for the U.S. Army Remount. After a stint at El Reno, Okla., John enlisted and was assigned to Front Royal, Va. Horses and mules were being trained for combat and ship loads were being sent to U.S. Troops overseas. John traveled by ship to Italy, Hawaii, and the Philippines caring for the horses and mules. He received his discharge Nov. 19, 1945, and returned home to a drought-stricken West Texas. Lush pastures had been found in South Dakota, so he left Spur, Texas, on an immigrant train of cattle, horses, and household goods to go to Faith, S.D., to a life of “independence” on July 4, 1946. With his brother Austin and Austin’s family, they ranched and opened the Faith Saddle Shop, experiencing the “Great Blizzard of ’49.” He began his married life to Darlene Reed harvesting hay for hire and living in a sheep wagon. After leasing ranches, they purchased a small place on the Moreau River and leased Indian Reservation land. In 1957 he was offered a job with Western Cattle Company on Battle Creek near Hermosa, S.D.  It was a great opportunity for the family to learn the livestock business as well as being conveniently located to participate in 4-H and nearby schools and church activities. John was fortunate to purchase a portion of the ranch when it was sold in 1972, and he began raising Registered Limousin cattle. Through the ensuing years he served on several cattle breed committees, was designated as a Premier Bull Breeder, exhibited champion livestock and held an annual bull sale. John also had a hog operation and pheasant hunts at the ranch. He was very supportive of his children’s various activities in Custer County (S.D.) 4-H, Western Junior Livestock Shows, and high school Rodeo. He really appreciated good horses and always kept a few on the ranch. All of the family spent summers riding horseback in the grazing permit for the cattle near Custer State Park and loved the beautiful Black Hills. A fall and spring cattle drive was held every year with guests from all parts of the country, and he enjoyed his role as the “trail boss.” John served on the Custer County Weed and Pest Board for many years and wanted to improve the environment with tree planting. He traveled with a group of South Dakotans to Washington, D.C., to receive the Smithsonian Institute Appreciation Award. He was an Honorary Chapter Farmer of the Future Farmers of America. John was also a member of the S.D. Stockgrowers Association and American Quarter Horse Association for many years.  Recently, John was awarded an honorary High School diploma from the Custer School District. This diploma was given in recognition of the sacrifice made by World War II veterans. Many times his education was interrupted in order to protect our nation’s freedom. However, the skills he acquired through these times served him and his country well. Each of his children was inspired to gain college degrees and one son continues the military tradition as a Chaplain in the U.S. Air Force as a Colonel. John died Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, at the Ft. Meade V.A. Medical Center. He was 93. John was preceded in death by his father, John Walter Stovall, Sr.; his mother, Julia Blanche Stovall; and his brother Austin Stovall. John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Darlene; six children,  Jonalyn Yancey, Doug Stovall and Jinx (Marlin) Maude, all of Hermosa; Jon Richard (Peggoty) Stovall of Washington, D.C., Mark Stovall of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Jennifer Stovall of Rapid City, S.D.; seven grandchildren, Matt Yancey of Albuquerque, N.M., Charlie Yancey of Denver, Colo., Tiffany (Ross) Batie of Rapid City, S.D., Tally (Jed) Seim of Meadow, S.D., Taylor Maude of Hermosa, Rylie Beth Stovall of Grand Forks, N.D., and Joshua Stovall of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; six great-grandchildren, Sydney, Wyatt, Cooper, Cameron, Tylee and Jayda; sisters, Monterea (Leo) Davis, and Billa Blanche Willis, all of Dallas, Texas; brothers-in-law, James (Peggy) Reed of Sturgis, S.D., and Fritz (Mary) Judson of Rapid City; sister-in-law, Opal Burton of Story, Wyo.; many nieces; nephews; cousins; friends; and his adopted family, Shirley (Doyle) Newton and Barbara (Shorty) Farmer of Texas. Funeral Services were Dec. 15 at Serenity Springs Funeral Chapel with Pastor Ward Astin officiating. Ineterment followed at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with Military Honors provided by the American Legion Post 303 of Hermosa. A memorial will be established at a later date. Condolences to the family at www.serenityspringsfuneralchapel.com.