Damon Ardry

Damon Ardry, 78, of Highmore, passed away Thursday, May 25, 2017 at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls.

Funeral service were held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at Luze Funeral Home, Highmore with Pastor Roger Day officiating. Burial followed at the Highmore Cemetery. Visitation began one hour prior to the service.

Damon Dean Ardry was born October 27, 1938 in Floydada, Texas to Ira John Ardry and Katherine (Davis) Ardry. His parents were farmers outside of Floydada, and he attended country schools. In April of 1952, his family moved to a farm in South Dakota. Damon stayed behind to finish his 7th grade school year and then moved to be with them. He graduated from Highmore High School in 1957.

On January 13, 1963, he married Carol Joan Durfee in Highmore, SD. They adopted a son, Brian Dean, in 1969; a daughter, Debra Joan, was born to them in 1971; and a daughter, Angel Carol Ardry was still-born in 1977.

Damon held various jobs throughout the years: road construction worker, bookkeeper, farm hand, and truck driver. In 1973, Damon started working for the Hyde County Highway Department and retired in 2004 after working there for over 30 years.

Damon enjoyed gardening, lawn work, woodworking, visiting with his neighbors, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by a son, Brian (Sohee) Ardry of Brookings; a daughter, Debra (Carrel) Ardry of Linden, New Jersey; two sisters: Colline Reynolds of Hutchinson, KS, and Teresa (Ronald) Gorham of Sioux Falls; four grandchildren: Nicholas, Jane, Isabella, and Micah; and many nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and daughter Angel Carol.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Damon's arrangements.