Russell Wyatt Obituary

Russell Wyatt, born June 20, 1926 to Lyston and Fern (Tillotson) Wyatt, Cascade, South Dakota, went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 8, 2025.

Russell helped construct Angostura Dam, farmed and ranched at Oral, sold real estate, with his slogan being "Selling the Land of Infinite Variety," and ultimately, became a farm/ranch/home appraiser. Russell was a long term member of the Professional Appraiser Association of South Dakota and American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. He retired from that career at the age of 94. Russell was a South Dakota man through and through and a gospel-loving man.

Details of his life are contained in two locally available books he wrote, The Farmer Goes to Town and The Farmer Marries the City Girl, the latter co-authored with his wife. Russell made numerous enduring contributions to the betterment of Fall River County. His commitment to the preservation of local history will leave a permanent mark in the community and the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved him.

Left behind are Betty, his wife of 62 years, his children, Jerry (Jeanne) Wyatt, Peggy (Russ) Sanders, Audrey (Steve) Shrive and Patrick Wyatt; four grandchildren, Julie (Bob) Stahly, Jolene (Aaron) Curry, Carl (Kari) Sanders, Neil (Cris) Sanders; His great-grandchildren Megan, Kyle and Ray Sanders; Grace Stahly, Jenna and Wyatt Curry, and Amy, Abby, Luke, Ashley, and Anne Sanders. All have fond memories of him, usually involving stories about farming over the years. He is also survived by his brother, LeRoy (Rae) Wyatt, sister-in-law Dorothy Wyatt, nephews Steve Wyatt, Allan Wyatt, and Craig Wyatt, and nieces Vicki Davison, Carlene Lang and Celeste Lee. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his brother Harold Wyatt and first wife Oleta (Harley) Wyatt.

Visitation will take place at Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD, on Thursday, September 11, 2025 from 4-6 p.m. Celebration of life will be Friday, September 12, 2025, 10:00 a.m., at Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Hot Springs.

Final arrangements have been put in the care of Chamberlain McColley's Funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Russell's honor would be appreciated and can be mailed to Pioneer Museum in Hot Springs PO Box 361, Hot Springs, SD 57747.