Dale Lee Lockhart, age 84, of Hot Springs, South Dakota passed away, Tuesday, August 29, 2023. Dale was born in Kimball, Nebraska to Marvin Clair “Bush” and Blanche Lucille (Shapley) Lockhart on September 22, 1938. His early years were spent riding his ponies and working on the family ranch in Colorado. About 1955, his family moved to Hot Springs where he attended high school. Later, he worked in the trucking and telephone communication industries. After his retirement from the telephone company, he owned and operated a mobile home transport business.

In his spare time, Dale competed in rodeos. He was a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. His favorite events were steer wrestling and calf roping. He was a thankful cowboy, saying he had seen everything he wanted to see and had been everywhere he wanted to go, and got to do it with his horses.

Dale enjoyed playing old-fashioned country music on his electric guitar. On Friday nights he and fellow band members would provide entertainment at the local bar. He will be remembered for sharing his love of music and for his ability to make people laugh with his great storytelling.

Survivors include his special love Shelly Lockhart; sons Ryon (Wendi) Lockhart of Nebraska and Lance Lockhart, Cody Lockhart, and Brandon (Alisha) Lockhart, all of South Dakota; two children from his first marriage, daughter Vicky (Allan) Varga and son Tim Lockhart, both of Arizona; his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dale is also survived by his brother Keith Lockhart, his sister Doris Merrill, numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of long-time friends.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, son Clint, daughter-in-law Kaylea, mother-in-law Marlis Sunding, father-in-law Marv Sunding, sister-in-law Lora, and brother-in-law Charles “Bud” Merrill.

The family wishes to express their many thanks and gratitude to Carrie Zoellick and the hospice team who provided care for Dale during his final days.