Darcy Lynn Hart, beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully in 2025. He was born on October 25, 1957, in Mitchell, South Dakota, to Manly and Marlene Hart. He grew up alongside his younger sister, Candee (Hart) Reed.
Darcy was raised in Mitchell, where he attended the Wesleyan Church and developed a deep love for horses while training and selling them with his father. He graduated from Mitchell High School in 1976 and soon set out to chase his dreams out West.
His journey led him to Cody, Wyoming, where he pursued his passion for bull riding and rodeo life. He worked on ranches and guided elk hunts, immersing himself in the cowboy lifestyle. From there, Darcy moved to Greybull, Wyoming, where he continued ranching, trained chariot horses, and raced them.
Later, Darcy moved to Florida, where he trained racehorses and, true to his adventurous spirit, also spent time roping alligators and hog hunting. In 1988, he returned to his home state, living briefly in Sioux Falls before settling in Piedmont, South Dakota, with his parents. There, he continued working with horses—training, selling, roping, and shoeing them—and worked at High Plains Genetics.
It was in the Piedmont and Rapid City area that Darcy met the love of his life, Kathy. They were married for 27 wonderful years and made their home together, raising two children, Jordan and Jean, who were the light of Darcy’s life. A devoted and loving father, he took great pride in everything his children did.
Together, Darcy and Kathy owned and operated Smokin 44 Arena, where they hosted numerous team roping events. Darcy deeply cherished the time spent at these events—rodeo, horses, and community were at the heart of his life. Over the years, they raised and trained many outstanding performance horses.
Most recently, Darcy, Kathy, and their son Jordan launched Hanging Hart Performance Horses—a new family-run venture built on a lifetime of horsemanship and a shared vision for the future. It was a project close to Darcy’s heart, blending his legacy with the next generation.
For the past 18 years, Darcy worked for Brink Construction, hauling heavy equipment—a job he took great pride in, as he did with everything he put his hands to.
Darcy truly wore many hats, literally and figuratively. Whether it was a cowboy hat or a ball cap, he filled each role in life with integrity, hard work, and heart. He had a story for every occasion and a passion for every season of life. When he committed to something, he gave it his all.
Despite his rough, calloused hands, Darcy had a soft and faithful heart. His relationship with Christ was the foundation of his life. He was a loyal member of the Wesleyan Church in Mitchell, later attending churches in Sturgis and Rapid City, and for the past six years, Lifeway Church. He was passionate about his faith and loved to invite others to experience it with him.
Darcy’s passing leaves a deep void, but his legacy lives on through his faith, his family, and the countless lives he touched.
He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy Hart; his children, Jordan and Jean; his mother, Marlene Hart; his sister, Candee Reed and her husband, Kel; and many extended family members and friends.
Darcy has gone home to be with the Lord, leaving behind the words of Proverbs 27:17 as a reflection of his life:
“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”
The Lord has gained a great cowboy.
A private burial will be attended by immediate family to fulfill Darcy’s wishes. A celebration of life will be held at Lifeway Church in Rapid City on October 25th at 11:00 AM. Lunch will be provided after the ceremony.