David James Darragh, 84, passed away April 20th, 2025 in Rapid City at Monument hospital.

David was born in Portland, Oregon on December 27th 1940 to Charles and Dorothy Mitchell Darragh.

David grew up in Belleview Washington and graduated from Belleview High School in 1958.

David is survived by his children, Judy (Kelly) Trenary, Jeff (Kelli) Darragh, Jim (Alyssa) Darragh, Stephanie (Scott) Van Riper, Tammy Reeves, Shawna Wood, Anna Maria Engbaum, Tony (Melissa) Darragh, Shannon Poach

Grandchildren, Brandon (Jessica) Matthew, Ryan, Nick, Emillie, Molly, Alex, Luke, Camden, Gavin, Mason, Christian, Austin, Alyssa, Austin, Clayton, Ciarra and Jameson

Great grandchildren, Aiden, Audrey and Ashlyn

Beloved spouses, Midget Howie Darragh (deceased), Dian Darragh

Special friend and companion, Janet Tufts

Brothers, Gordy (Karin) Darragh, Paige Darragh (deceased)

Cousins, Jean, Kittie, Ron, Keith, Reid, Gary, Joanie, Rob( Karla)

Preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Dorothy Darragh

David started his career as a guitar player at 9 years old, playing on the radio program, Young Oregonians, winning first place! He continued to play and perfect his skill during high school. After graduation, he played with a small band in Alaska. He returned to the lower 48 states and played with Bobby Darin 1961-1964. He worked with Westcoast Tour Circuit touring from Alaska to Texas. He played with Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Glenn Campbell and George Strait. 1967 to 1977 David joined Jack Roberts and the Evergreen Drifters on the weekly television show, the Evergreen Jubilee. From 1977 to 1979 he was the band director for the Crossroads quartet and also a record producer for the same company.

From 1980 to 1990 David toured with the Grand Ol Opry. His New Horizon band backed up Roy Clark, Little Jimmy Dickins, Red Foley, Dave Dudley, Charlie Pride, Hank Lockin, Marvin Rainwater, David Huston, LeRoy Van Dike, Billy Grammer, Melba Montgomery and Faron Young to name a few!

From the 1990’s to the present David committed his time to his family, buying land, riding horses and building homes. He continued to teach people to play guitar and blessed his home church with his music.

David had an authentic ability to touch people’s lives in a powerful way by sharing his love of life whether it be hydroplane racing, car racing, playing music, family barbeques and helping children learn to read. He connected and cared for family and friends. In David’s later years he enjoyed traveling with Janet to many wonderful places.

There will be a Celebration of Life in Seattle in late Summer. It will be announced later.

Internment will be in White Owl, South Dakota in September.