Funeral services for Barry Hutchinson, 73, of Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, formerly of Isabel, will be held at 6:00 PM, Sunday, August 4, 2024, at the Isabel Community Center in Isabel. Burial will take place at 10:00 AM, Monday, August 5, 2024, at the Hillview Cemetery in Isabel under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Barry passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in North Sioux City, South Dakota.
It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of Barry Allen Hutchinson, who left us suddenly on July 31st, 2024. Barry was born on May 31st, 1951, in Kadoka, SD, to Larry and Darlene Hutchinson. His early life was spent in White River, SD, with his parents, his four brothers, and many friends.
Barry loved all animals, especially horses and dogs. This love, along with a hefty dose of ornery, helped Barry become a true cowboy. He qualified for the National High School Rodeo Finals and continued his rodeo career at South Dakota State University. He eventually became the SDRA steer wrestling champion with a saddle and buckle to prove it.
It was at SDSU that Barry met the love of his life, Micki Waddell of Isabel, SD. The two were married on December 23rd, 1972, and soon added two boys to their family, Brock and Richie. The family lived on a ranch north of Isabel, and Barry was very proud of his boys and their accomplishments. Barry’s rodeo career ended when a horse threw him and broke his neck. Barry’s love of horses remained strong, though, and he traveled across the country racing his horses often with the boys tagging along.
Barry loved being a dad, even more than he loved being a cowboy, and not just to his own boys, but to their friends and his nephews, too. Barry loved teaching them to fish and hunt and loved hauling them around to basketball camps and games.
As much as Barry loved being a dad, his love for his grandkids is what finally pulled him from his West River roots, this and maybe getting trampled by an angry elk. In 2017, Micki and Barry moved to Dakota Dunes to watch their grandkids grow up and cheer them on in their many activities. Barry always had time to take them out hunting and fishing or to get ice cream. And yes, Barry shared his love of pranks with this new generation.
Barry enjoyed spending time with customers and staff at Brock’s Big Outdoors and Big Frig and helping out at trade shows where he could live out his legendary persona, White Buffalo. Barry never knew a stranger. He was always there for people no matter who they were. Barry was a kid at heart and generously shared whatever he had with whoever needed it. After meeting Barry, you could never forget him. He had a great sense of humor and a sharp eye for noticing things that most people missed. Barry was a prankster who was always angling for the laugh. He loved taking people coyote calling, only to have them find Bigfoot instead. Barry regularly introduced new friends to ranch life through a friendly game of Grabbits. Nothing was off limits when it came to pranking, even frozen rattlesnakes.
He is survived by his loving wife, Micki, their two sons, Brock (Maxine) Hutchinson and Richie (Allison) Hutchinson, seven grandchildren, four brothers, Randy Hutchinson, Bill (Chris) Hutchinson, Bob (Carol) Hutchinson, Ronnie Hutchinson, and many nieces and nephews. We will remember Barry’s life and celebrate his legacy at a memorial service at the Community Center in Isabel, SD, on Sunday, August 4th at 6:00PM. Please join the family for some laughs, a few tears, and some really good storytelling. Barry will be laid to rest at the Hillview Cemetery on Monday, August 5th at 10:00AM. Anyone who loved Barry is welcome to attend either service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the great work of Isabel Future Visions. If you are unable to attend the memorial service in person, donations can be sent to:
Isabel Future Visions
Box 332
Isabel, SD 57633
Barry will be deeply missed, but his rich and generous spirit will live on forever in our hearts and in our stories.
