Richard B. Smith

Richard B. Smith, age 67, of Lemmon, SD, passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2024, at the St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck, ND.  

A celebration of Richard's life along with a meal will be held on September 8th at the Smith Family Ranch south of Shadehill, SD at 4:00 p.m.  The address to the ranch is 19098 123rd St., Shadehill, SD, 57638.  Burial will take place at 5:00 p.m. and fellowship at the ranch will continue following the burial.

Richard Bradley Smith was born in Dickinson, ND to William and Charlotte (Malloy/Schell) Smith on February 6, 1957 and grew up on the family farm and ranch south of Shadehill, SD. 

Richard attended elementary school at local country schools and spent most of his younger years helping his dad and neighbors on their farms and ranches. Regardless of the type or difficulty of work – whether they were haying fields, raising grain, or farrowing pigs -- Richard was always willing to lighten the workload with his helping hands, lively stories, and cheerful personality.   

After graduating from Lemmon High School in1975, he began working with Charles Purdon. Eventually he began leasing the Purdon land and also purchased Charles’ cattle herd. This was the start of his own cattle operation which he was proud to own and operate for many years.   

Richard and Delinda (Dede) Preszler were united in marriage on November 23, 1984. They spent the early years of marriage tackling the farm work together -- raising cattle; tending sheep; and planting a beautiful tree grove, which remains today, around their homestead. Richard and Dede welcomed two children into their family, a son, Kevin, in 1993, and a daughter, Sharon, in 1996.  

Despite having his own place to tend to, Richard devoted much of his life to helping his father and mother on their operation, the Smith Family Ranch. Growing up in the country, he learned to fix and refix everything. He spent a lot of time keeping worn out equipment running and keeping the cattle healthy. His son, Kevin, took over management of the Smith Family Ranch in 2014 when Richard accepted a job working for the SD Department of Transportation.  

Although Richard wore many “hats” during his lifetime, his most beloved job was that of “Grandpa.” His grandchildren were his pride and joy. He spent countless hours pushing them on swings, giving rides on anything that had wheels, fishing, and hunting with the Koch family and lifelong friends. Regardless of the activity, he was always happiest in the company of his grandkids.  

Richard’s easy-going personality and his infectious laugh were enjoyed by everyone lucky enough to know him. But, in his presence, you always had to be on your toes as he was often plotting a mischievous trick that would surely end in a good laugh. Richard also adored his four-legged friends. His most recent dog, Stubby, was his best buddy, travel companion, and followed him everywhere he went.  

Richard enjoyed helping other people whenever he could, always willing to lend his hands, his ears, or his heart. He was wonderfully optimistic, never letting anything get him down for very long. His strong faith, deep love of family, and cherished friendships helped him through many trials in life.  

Richard is survived by his children, Kevin (Tori) Smith and Sharon (Ty Seidel) Smith; grandchildren, Willow and Haven Smith, and Ryle and Renley Seidel - all of Shadehill, SD; special friend, Sarah Seim; 7 brothers and sisters, Carole Heck, Bonnie Thiele, Pauline (Ken) Peterson, David (Meg) Schell; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, William and Charlotte Smith; his siblings Dennis Schell, Susan Smith, and Sharon Reiker.