Donald "Don" Jarrett Obituary

Britton - Britton, SD: The funeral service for Donald "Don" D. Jarrett will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at the First Presbyterian Church of Britton. Lance Griese will officiate the service. Interment with Military Honors will be in the Britton Cemetery under the direction of the Olson Funeral Chapel of Britton.

On April 12, 2025, Donald "Don" D. Jarrett passed away peacefully at the age of 95, surrounded by his loving family.

Don was born to Lena (Jahnig) and Ray Jarrett on the family farm in Newark Township on May 23, 1929. He attended country school for eight years and graduated Salutatorian from Britton High School in 1947. He attended South Dakota State University for one quarter but decided he enjoyed and missed the family farming and ranching business. Don returned to the farm in the fall of 1947 and spent his career farming and ranching with his father and brother, Ronnie. He was drafted into the Army and served in the Korean War from November 1953 to March 29, 1955.

Don was very involved in politics and the Republican Party throughout his life. In August 1956, he gave a seconding speech for Dwight D. Eisenhower at the Republican National Convention in San Francisco. He ran for state senate in 1958 and 1960 and was a county committee member for the Marshall County Republican Party for years. In addition to his lifelong political involvement, Don loved to travel in his free time and visited 26 countries.

After being set up on a blind date by a mutual friend from Milnor, ND, Don was united in marriage to Jeannine Charlotte Wyum of Milnor on November 7, 1964. They were blessed with three sons, Jason, Wayne, and Bryce; and a daughter, Sarah. Don and Jeannine loved to dance and never missed an opportunity to attend a dance and waltz together. They traveled extensively during their marriage, both in the States and abroad. Their favorite trips later in life were to Australia and Norway. Don was a doting "papa" and taught all his grandchildren to drive.

Don advocated for family farmers and ranchers and served on the boards of many local and national organizations. He was a member of the South Dakota Wheat Commission and served as Chairman for many years, traveling to Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, India, and Germany. He also helped form and was Chairman of the Marshall County Rail Authority, serving on the board for 35 years. Don worked tirelessly with the Governor's office and Burlington Northern Railroad to ensure rail service continued to Britton. He was on the Newark Township Board for 60 years and helped form the local Fire District Board. Don was a proud member of the Soil Conservation Board and a founding member of the Organic Crops Institute of America Chapter #1, which set national standards for organic farming.

A man of deep faith, Don was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church of Britton, where he served as Elder and Trustee. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Yelduz Shrine Club, and the Jesters. He was an active member of numerous local organizations, including the Lions Club, the VFW, and the American Legion. While Commander of the Legion, he started the practice of accompanying Senior high school students to Pierre to visit the legislature and state officials. He continued the trips for over 20 years. Don also arranged speakers for the local Veteran's Day and Memorial Day programs for over 40 years.

Don farmed for 75 years and reluctantly retired at the age of 90.

He is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, Jeannine; children Jason Jarrett (Carol), Wayne Jarrett, Bryce Jarrett (Beatrice), and Sarah Gallagher (Garrick); grandchildren, Andrew, Jake, Olivia, and Jack Gallagher; great-grandchildren, Grace, James, and Annie Gallagher; and nieces and nephews from both sides.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Lena Jarrett; his sister, Fern Watson; and his brother, Ronnie.

Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society or an organization or charity of your choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Jeannine Jarrett - 4420 37th Ave S, #508, Fargo, ND 58104.

An online guestbook and obituary are available at www.olsonfuneralchapel.com