John Robert Romey, age 58, passed away May 15, 2014, at his ranch near Oelrichs, SD.

John was born November 2, 1955, in Chadron, NE, to Oliver and Edith (Osmotherly) Romey. He was a man of great faith and endless sacrifice. He was an old-style cowboy, who broke the mold, and left a legacy of love and greatness.

John loved his family and his community; but mostly, he was in love with a God that called him by name. His mantra was "Go with God."

While growing up on his ranch, John attended a one-room school house, and then high school at Chadron, NE. After graduation, he stayed at the ranch and developed a progressive, quality operation with engineered genetics and developments. He invented many different things, mostly as a result of necessity! One of his more comical inventions was his portable-wind-resistant-tuck-and-roll cow sheds. He was always going to perfect this design! There was not anything we thought he couldn't do or fix. Through his abilities, he catapulted his ranch operation into excellence. In fact, one year his steer won as Grand Champion at Western Junior Livestock Show, which is considered to be a once-in a-life-time- feat.

Those who knew John, knew of his competence and self-confident, but very humble style. Often folks would relate how he made them feel important. He was sincere, and honest. He prided himself that he "never took a red cent" in his life. In all his business dealings he took the lesser half, or none at all. He never promoted himself, rather his mission was to promote his neighbor and his family.

John married Tracy Hanson on August 20, 1988. Their story can't be contained here; but their love will never end. Tracy said she knew when that skinny cowboy said forever, he meant it. John and Tracy have four children, each his stars and moon and sun. He felt so blessed to have these children; and his children were devoted to a man they called their hero. He put his older children and wife through college and graduate school. Calvin, his oldest, was John's pride. He was so thankful for this son, who stood with his dad through everything. His second son, Cole, impressed John continually. And Cole devoted all his efforts and all his abilities to his Dad. Jocelyn is John's oldest daughter, who was his joy and his strongest advocate. They shared a tender bond and likeness. His youngest daughter, Jacyne Rain, age 9, was his delight, and her Daddy was her prince.

John was involved in many community endeavors in his life time, such as an EMT for the Oelrichs Ambulance, a volunteer fire-fighter for many years, 4-H and Rodeo Clubs, the Weed Board, The Water User's Board and many more. In his own profession, he had to be an athlete, a veterinarian, a geneticist, a weatherman, a range expert, a horseman, a mechanic, an economist, an architect, a farmer, and an expert at each.

John leaves behind his wife, Tracy; children, Calvin; Cole; Jocelyn, Jacyne; all of Oelrichs; mother, Edith Romey of Crawford, NE; sisters, Susan Laughlin of Rapid City, SD; Marilyn Dueker of Bayard, NE; Jeanette Heinert of Parmalee, SD; and Nadine Horner of Fr. Mohave, AZ

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 24, 2014, at the Oelrichs School Auditorium in Oelrichs with Pastor Irvin Fields officiating. Interment will follow at the Romey Family Cemetery. There will be a viewing at McColley's Chapels of the Hills in Hot Springs the preceding evening at 7:00 p.m.

A memorial is established for John's youngest daughter, Jacyne Rain, age 9, left in care of McColley's Chapels of the Hills.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapels of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.