Barry L. Rodman

Barry L. Rodman, 78, of Highmore, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Prairie Lakes Hospital in Watertown, surrounded by his family.

Memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the United Methodist Church in Highmore. Burial with military honors will follow at the Highmore Cemetery.  A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, February 13, 2026, with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service, all at Luze Funeral Home in Highmore.

Barry Lane Rodman was born on April 7, 1947, in Miller, SD to William and Lois (Morgan) Rodman, the youngest of three boys. Barry grew up on a ranch south of Ree Heights, South Dakota, attending country school before graduating from Highmore High School in May of 1965.

Following high school, Barry proudly served in the United States Navy as a SeaBee, embracing the Seabee motto of “Can Do,” which became a defining principle of his life. During his enlistment, he was stationed in both Cuba and Vietnam and carried deep pride in his service and his fellow veterans.

On May 4, 1968, Barry married his high school sweetheart, Reta Smith. Together they shared nearly 48 years of marriage until Reta’s passing on April 24, 2016. They lived in Gulfport, Mississippi, Rapid City, South Dakota, and ultimately returned to Highmore, where they built their home and their life together.

Barry and Reta owned and operated Rodman Refrigeration, with a brick-and-mortar business in downtown Highmore until a devastating fire destroyed the building. Undeterred, Barry continued running the business from their home for several years before later working for the South Dakota Department of Transportation in Hyde County. He spent many winters plowing roads through South Dakota blizzards, keeping travelers safe, and years as a foreman built a lifelong habit of always checking the weather. Even in retirement, Barry never slowed down—he simply found new ways to stay busy.

Barry was a kind, helpful, and genuinely good man with a dry, sarcastic sense of humor. He found happiness in the simple things—tinkering in the garage, hunting, camping, playing cards, and spending time with the people he loved. Some of his fondest memories were made gathered around the card table with family and friends, a tradition passed down through generations, as his oldest granddaughter learned to play cards at the very same table where his daughters once did. Barry also loved to bake, and family favorites included his apple crisp, donuts, and cookies.

Barry’s greatest joy in life was his family. He and Reta were blessed with two daughters, Stacy and Tonia. As a father, Barry was quiet and no-nonsense—a man of few words—but his love was steady, unmistakable, and deeply felt. He never missed saying goodnight, and his daughters always knew how much they were loved. That same devoted love only grew with his grandchildren. The sun truly rose and set with them, and there was nothing Barry wouldn’t do for those kids. Whether he was building playsets, making hot breakfasts, taking them hunting, or simply spending time with them, Barry showed his love through action every day. He took immense pride in watching his family grow and in the life he helped build.

In recent years, Barry shared his life with Connie Fox of Watertown, South Dakota, and shared great love, companionship, and laughter. Together, they enjoyed traveling, spending winters in Arizona with Barry’s brother and sister-in-law, taking a recent trip to Branson, Missouri, playing cards with friends, and simply enjoying time together. Their days were filled with laughter, love, fun and good times with friends and family.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Tonia and son-in-law, Greg of Tea, SD and their family; Khia and Cullen, with sons Jack and Charlie of Brandon, SD; Lane and Brooke, with sons Myles and Paxton of Brookings, SD; and Logan and Madison, with sons Graham and Baby W due June 2026 of Sioux Falls, SD; Grandchildren Barry and Caroline Johnson of Lincolnton, NC;  William Johnson of Highmore, and Ana Johnson of Highmore, SD; significant other, Connie Fox of Watertown, SD; brother Bob and Connie Rodman of West Fargo, ND; nieces and nephews; extended family members; and many friends who were blessed by his kindness, steady presence, and generous heart.

Barry was preceded in death by his wife, Reta; his daughter, Stacy; his parents, Bill and Lois; his brother Terry, sisters-in-law Kris and Jan, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Barry will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, proud veteran, and, above all, a good man. His legacy lives on in the people he loved, the work of his hands, and the countless ways he quietly helped others.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Barry’s arrangements.