Daryld was born on July 5, 1919, to Martin and Nettie Williamson on their family farm near Vale, SD. His mother had spent the day before climbing 100 steps to see the beautiful view from the top of Orman Dam. Thus, set the stage for many more challenges and adventures his life would take. Thankfully, he took time to write them down in a book, which his family will cherish forever.
His formal education included a one-room schoolhouse at North Highland Grade School and high school at Vale. In 1940, he attended Lincoln Flying School. Later, he went to work as an airplane mechanic in Laramie, WY. With the start of World War II, he began training pilots for the Navy. It was during this time his romance with Mildred Drake flourished, and they were married on June 20, 1943.
Daryld returned to the family farm, where he and Mildred raised their six children. It was here his engineering mind combined with his hard work ethic to develop a successful farming operation, which included many original inventions.
He was an active member of Empire Friends Church and served in several capacities, including clerk, treasurer, song leader, and Sunday School teacher. In 1990, Daryld and Mildred moved to their new home outside of Sturgis. "Ox Yoke" provided a beautiful setting for years of wonderful family gatherings. He remained there until his passing. He was, during this time, a member of the First Wesleyan Church of Sturgis.
Daryld M. Williamson, 100, died Tuesday, February 18, 2020, at his home in Sturgis.
He is survived by his children, Donna (Wayne) Powell of Plains, KS, Myra (Gene) Pickard of Haviland, KS, Marty Williamson of Nisland, SD, John (Alisa) Williamson of Sturgis, SD, Kay (Neill) Unruh of Haviland, KS, and Debbie Boettcher of Vale, SD; 17 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Winnette Nielsen of Fort Collins, CO.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred; his parents, Martin and Nettie Williamson; his brother, William; his sisters, Mildred Joyce and Viola Huber; and his son-in-law, Loren Boettcher.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 1, 2020, at Believers Fellowship in Sturgis with Pastor John Williamson officiating.
Committal services will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 2, at Bear Butte Cemetery in Sturgis.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a ministry of the donor's choice.

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