David Harrell Jr

David Ross Harrell, Jr., 65, of Cresbard, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026, in Cresbard.

A celebration of life will be 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the United Church of Faulkton with Brent Koens presiding.

David was born on April 18, 1961, in Wickenburg, Arizona, to David Ross Harrell, Sr. and Virginia (Parish) Harrell. He was a high school graduate, but more importantly, David was a true “road-scholar” at the School of Hard Knocks. He would be the first to admit that he carried a few permanent scars from all the times he hit his head before finally learning the “right” way to do things.

Throughout his life, David lived in Arizona, California, Tennessee, Kentucky, Nevada, Washington, and South Dakota, in addition to the many places his military career took him. He was never one to let the “dust” settle on his boots and was making plans to move to Wyoming to be closer to family. Unfortunately, that plan will now have to wait.

David proudly served in the United States Army from 1979 until approximately 1989, including service as a reservist. Following his military career, David worked a variety of jobs throughout his life. He was an over-the-road big-rig trucker, feedlot worker, Wheat Growers employee, and cement truck driver. He was never afraid of hard work and took on whatever job was needed to support himself and his family.

Of all his occupations, David was especially proud of his work as a Corrections Officer at the Faulk County Jail. He spoke highly of his work and the people he worked with, and it was a position he took great pride in.

David had a well-known love for animals. His dogs: Hummer, Nosy, Lena, Sam, and Bandit, held a special place in his heart, as did his cats, six at last count, and his treasured horses. His horse Chief was especially dear to him. David was a cowboy at heart, and he loved everything that came with that life, including rodeos, horses, and dreaming about the next adventure.

If you had ever visited David at home, you would know that he also “loved” to read. He was always dreaming up things he was going to do someday, and he had a way of making those around him believe that someday was just around the corner.

More than anything, David was known for helping his friends. He had a generous heart and was always willing to lend a hand. He leaves behind friendships that spanned more than 40 years, along with many newer friendships that he treasured just as deeply. Every one of his friends held a special place in his heart.

David was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police.

David is survived by his father, David Ross Harrell, Sr.; son, David Everett Harrell; granddaughter, Lyla Harrell; sisters: Debra Harrell, Shannon Kennedy, Kimberly Ksionsk, Wendy Caddey, Laurie Smith, and Jana Huckeba; brothers, Duaine Hamilton and Brian Woodruff; uncle, Jack Maynard Harrell niece, Samantha Lee Bobian; nephew, Andrew Siefkes (Annette Hay); grandnieces, Olivia, Brecklin, and Everleigh; along with numerous other nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless cherished friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Calvin Russell; mothers: Virginia Hamilton, Arlyn Woodruff, and Dolores Harrell; aunt, Patrice Kay-Hawke; sister, Caroline Felton; nephew, Aidan Kennedy; niece, Amber Collins; grandparents; and numerous aunts, uncles, and dear friends.

David leaves behind many people who loved him and whose lives were made better by knowing him. While there may be names unintentionally missing from this list, please know that every friendship and relationship was treasured.

Perhaps there are a few of those old friends waiting for him now at the pearly gates, looking at that familiar cowboy and saying, “Hey Cowboy, glad you made it. What took ya’ so long?”

Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with David’s arrangements.