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Obituary: Daryl Walter Brassfield
Author: Family Of Daryl Walter Brassfield
Article Published: // Volume: Edition: Daryl Walter Brassfield
Family of Daryl Walter Brassfield
Daryl Walter Brassfield, 86, of Townsend, Montana, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, following a courageous year-long battle with ALS.
He was born on July 6, 1940, in New Underwood, South Dakota, to Walt and Evelyn Brassfield; their first son and second of four children. He loved being raised on a ranch and especially enjoyed working on farm equipment to keep everything running. Even after leaving the ranch to become a firefighter, he would help whenever he could. A man dedicated to protecting others, Daryl spent 20 years as a Rapid City firefighter, serving his community with bravery and pride.
When Daryl retired from the Rapid City Fire Department, he moved to Montana with his second wife, Donna, and her two children. Daryl loved the mountains and was happiest when he was camping, hunting, and getting firewood. He found true peace outdoors. More than anything else, Daryl cherished the time he spent with his family, creating beautiful memories that they will carry with them forever.
Daryl had many occupations during his life; everything from logging, gold mining, RV technician, plumber, and mechanic to carpenter. He always said he was a “jack of all trades and master of none.” He also spent many years volunteering with the Boy Scouts, enjoying their outings and helping to encourage the boys to be thoughtful and forgiving.
He was a passionate, caring person and would always help anyone in need. He was a wonderful husband and worked for many years side by side with his wife, Donna. He also loved to travel, making numerous trips to Alaska and Arizona, exploring new areas all the time. When his health started to fail, one thing he missed greatly was being able to take a trip, even if it was small. He also loved pets, especially his cats. Birdie was a wonderful companion and friend, and they had a lot of fun teasing each other.
Before Daryl passed, his siblings and sons, Jeff and Jay, were able to come to Montana. They had a wonderful visit and reminisced about the good ole days. He also received visits from various other friends and family, which he very much enjoyed.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 36 years, Donna Brassfield; his children, Jeff (Tami) Brassfield, Jay (Lois), Julie, and Jesse; his stepchildren whom he loved as his own, Terrie (Gary) Wendt of Iowa, Michael (Michelle) Barrett of East Helena, and Michelle (Brent) Beebe of Townsend; and his siblings, Anita Blewett, Cheryl (Don) Wiebers, and Leroy Brassfield. There are also many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walt and Evelyn.
At Daryl’s request, there will be no service.
A special thank you to Headwaters Hospice for their loving care of Daryl and his family in his final days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Daryl’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or charities for disabled and wounded veterans.
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