Rogelio “Rocky” Barrientos, Jr., 53, of Rapid City, South Dakota, passed away on September 21, 2025.
He was born on December 26, 1971, to Sylvia (Martinez) Barrientos & Rogelio Barrientos, Sr. in Hereford, Texas. Rocky was raised and attended school in Stamford, Texas.
Rocky, as he was known, had a larger-than-life spirit. He was an avid motorcycle enthusiast who looked forward each year to his ride to Sturgis. He loved the freedom of the open road, the sound of his favorite 80’s rock bands, and the memories made with family and friends along the way. One of his greatest joys was sharing these experiences with sisters, Misty and Christina—especially their shared love for the band Slaughter’s Fly to the Angels, a song that will forever hold special meaning.
For many years, Rocky made his home in South Dakota, raising his children Maricel and Orlando while embracing life fully with his South Dakota family. He shared with them his love of motorcycles, the outdoors, and all the little adventures that made life memorable, teaching by example what it meant to live freely, boldly, and with heart.
Family was always the center of Rocky’s world. His presence brought comfort, laughter, and strength to everyone around him. He was the brother who could light up a room with his teasing humor, the uncle who drove hundreds of miles just to show up for family, and the son who never hesitated to lend a hand. He taught his niece Sabree how to drive with Mystikal blasting, sent gifts and sage for her children, and filled her home with memories she will forever treasure. He was also a father figure to many, but especially to his nephew Angel, passing on his grit, strength, and free spirit—a spirit Angel now carries within himself.
From doing flips off the diving board at the Stamford pool and “Orale vato” jokes around grandma’s table, to fixing his momma’s house and describing the beauty of South Dakota’s lakes, Rocky left behind a legacy of love, loyalty, and laughter. His family finds peace in knowing that he passed doing what he loved most—riding his Harley, free as the wind.
He was preceded in death by his infant son, Trevor Barrientos; father, Rogelio Barrientos, Sr.; and grandparents, Julia & Crispin Martinez.
Rocky is survived by his wife, Gloria Mesteth of Rapid City, SD; his children, Shantell Champion of Pensacola, FL, Colton Bowman of Preston, ID, Justice Schulz, Orlando Barrientos, and Maricel Barrientos – all of Rapid City, SD; and step children Clayton (CJ) High Pipe, Theo High Pipe, Dezarae (Miss Thang) High Pipe, Vanessa (Lil One) High Pipe and Wambli High Pipe; grandson, Kentrell Michael Barrientos of Rapid City, SD; mother, Sylvia Barrientos of Sinton, TX; sisters, Christina Barrientos, Jamie Harris – both of Stamford, TX, and Misty Lozano of Abilene, TX; brother, Roy Martinez of Lubbock, TX; and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Though his time here feels far too short, Rocky’s memory will live on in his children, grandchildren, siblings, and the countless family and friends who loved him deeply.