Archie Ross McLellan, 82, lifelong Lantry rancher/farmer passed away June 17, 2006 at Spearfish, SD Regional Hospital.


Funeral services will be Thursday, June 22 at 2 PM at the First United Church of Christ in Eagle Butte, SD with Rev. Ellis Carr officiating. Interment with Full Military Honors will be Friday, June 23 at 11:30 AM at Black Hills National Cemetery. A Memorial has been established to the United Church of Christ, the Dupree and Eagle Butte Fire Departments, in lieu of flowers. Faith Area Memorial Chapel, Faith, SD is entrusted with the arrangements.


Archie R. McLellan was born May 26, 1924 south of Lantry, SD on the family homestead. He was the son of Arleigh and Selma (Speker) McLellan. He grew up on the family farm/ranch and attended grade school at the Soliday rural school. In 1942 he graduated from Eagle Butte High School.

He enlisted in the U. S. Navy in 1944 and served in the South Pacific during World War II. Upon his honorable discharge in June of 1946, he returned to the home place, and on Oct. 16, 1946 was united in marriage to June Henderson at St. James Episcopal Church in Mobridge, SD.


They resided on the family homestead and raised their family of three daughters there. Archie and his brother, Owen, became partners in the family farm/ranch operation in 1946 and operated as McLellan Brothers for 59 years. He particularly loved working with the horses and livestock, attending area rodeos and being with his family.


He was a member of the First United Church of Christ in Eagle Butte and served on its board for many years. He was also a member of the American Legion for 57 years and served as Secretary Treasurer of the Ridgeview Grazing Association since 1972.


Keeping his memory most near are his wife of 59 years, June McLellan of Lantry, three daughters; Sharon (Jerry) Marks of Missoula, MT, Marian (Jim) Schmidt of Alzada, MT, Pam (Bill) Wahlfeldt of Sturgis, SD, 5 grandchildren; Cleve Schmidt, Clete Schmidt, Jaymi (Jeremy) Meeks, Jason (Loy) Marks and Tami Marks, three brothers; Paul McLellan, Irvine, CA, Owen McLellan, Lantry, SD and Lyle McLellan, Rapid City, SD, one sister; Ruth Galvin, Hayward, CA as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother; Everett and sister and brother in law; Arlene and Jarvis Klapman.