Robert (Bob) Kenneth McDermott passed away peacefully on October 7, 2025, at Spearfish Canyon Healthcare, surrounded by loved ones. He entered this world on September 26, 1941, in Deadwood, South Dakota, born to Emmett and Marjorie McDermott.
Bob spent his childhood on his father’s sheep ranch in Mud Butte, South Dakota, where he learned the value of hard work and the joy of wide-open spaces. At five years old, he welcomed a little sister, Marie. After the untimely passing of their mother, Emmett later married Darlene, and Bob and Marie gained another sister, Kerry Jean. Growing up on the ranch meant big family gatherings, plenty of chores, and the kind of mischief that made for a lifetime of stories and fond memories.
In 1964, Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he proudly served his country and earned both the Good Conduct Medal and the Expert Badge for marksmanship with the M-16 rifle. While stationed at Ft. Campbell, KY he met his future wife, Juanita Yepez, and the two were married on July 16, 1965, in Clarksville, TN.
Following his discharge, Bob and Juanita settled in Newell, South Dakota, where they welcomed two sons, James and Patrick—true Irish twins. Together with his father, Bob purchased and operated Mac’s Mobile Filling Station in Newell, providing automotive services to the community. Whether it was restoring old Jeeps or fine-tuning his motorcycles, Bob’s garage was always filled with projects and the smell of oil and ambition.
In 1979, Bob and Juanita completed their family with the arrival of their daughter, Michelle. As the energy industry expanded across Wyoming, Bob and Juanita moved to Gillette, where he spent the next four decades working as a pumper in the oil fields. Bob and his beloved Ford Rangers logged countless miles across Wyoming and Montana checking wells, often with Juanita by his side on “the route.”
Retirement was never a concept that suited Bob—he loved to stay busy and continued working into his late seventies. After Juanita’s passing in 2009, Bob reconnected with a longtime friend, Arlene Sundstrom, and together they made their home in Newell. The family is deeply grateful for the companionship and happiness Arlene brought to Bob’s later years. He cherished being back near his roots, often visiting his childhood home, church, and school in Mud Butte.
Bob is survived by his friend and significant other, Arlene Sundstrom of Newell, SD; his sisters Marie Miles Hyle of Custer, SD, and Kerry Jean Peters of Tea, SD; his children James McDermott, Patrick McDermott (Kristal) of Spearfish, SD, and Michelle McDermott of Fort Worth, TX; grandsons Alex, Dylan, and Emmett; and five great-granddaughters.
Bob will be remembered for his work ethic, sense of humor, and deep love for family, friends, and the open country he called home.