Robert "Bob" Neil Duxbury of Wessington was born March 14, 1934 at the Duxbury Homestead in Rose Hill Township, and he died on Monday, June 6, 2016 at the Prairie View Care Center in Woonsocket.
His funeral service was held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, June 11th at the First Presbyterian Church in Wessington. Burial was in the Wessington Cemetery.
Bob dedicated decades of his life to public service, and his honors fill pages. However, accolades never defined who he was as a man, son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
As a child, Bob spent hours auctioning photos of Hereford cattle to his parents, Joy & Lois (McNeil). He dreamt of one day becoming an auctioneer. God had different plans for Bob's life, and a college scholarship earned from livestock judging for Hand County 4-H set those plans in motion.
Bob earned a degree from SDSU and went on to teach classes, research fly control, and coach the livestock judging team at his alma mater. His passion for livestock and teaching never dulled.
Through the years, Bob held title as South Dakota State Fair Board Chairman, South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture, and served in both branches of the South Dakota legislature. He was proud to work with six governors and over 400 different legislators. Regardless of political affiliation, he was called a friend.
Bob's humility, even-temper, and ability to read people while seeing both sides of an issue meant he was respected and sought out for advice by many.
It's said every great man is supported by a strong woman. On July 5, 1953, Bob married Rose Ann Radcliffe. For nearly 63 years, Bob & Rose weathered life's storms and cherished life's celebrations.
Bob's dedication to agriculture, 4-H, South Dakota, and youth is well-documented for posterity. He was inducted to the South Dakota Hall of Fame, received the SDSU Eminent Farmer award, and was a Heartland Saddle recipient among many other honors he humbly accepted. Bob's example will continue to be carried forward annually through presentation of the "Bob Duxbury Award" at the South Dakota State Fair. His community involvement was extensive, especially with the Presbyterian Church in Wessington and organizations like Farm Bureau and Farmer's Union. His contributions and friendship will never be forgotten.
The measure of Bob's life is clearest, however, when looking at his family. He was the grandfather who carted grandchildren to church, cracker barrels, and judging contests. He kept desk drawers well-stocked with candy, dried apricots, and popcorn for himself as much as for the kids. Bob was even known to tolerate WWF wrestling while his oldest granddaughters braided his hair.
Even in the later grips of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, his great-grandchildren brought out his best. "Grampa Bob's" lessons on auctioneering, chats about doing well in school, and visits about being a good cattleman will be cherished.
Left loving Bob are his wife, five childrenNeil (Brenda) of Wessington, Kathy (Denny) Meyer of Huron, Dean of Wessington, Dale (Sandy) of Wessington, and Brian (Tabatha) of Pierre, 16 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sistersJoyce (Gene) Rowen of Waconia, Minnesota and Jean (John) Lakner of Rockwell, Texas; a brotherJack (Shirley) of Huron; two sisters-in-lawMary Haley of Huron and Heather Radcliffe of Tucson, Arizona and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, grandparents, and two brothers-in-law, Bill Haley and John Radcliffe.