Paul Everett Taggart was born on the farm north of Dallas, SD in Irwin Township, Tripp County on March 3, 1934 to Archie & Helen (Beckers) Taggart. He joined three siblings with two to follow.
Paul attended St. Joseph Catholic School in Gregory until the eighth grade. Then he started farming with his Dad and continued to do so for the next 50 years until his health would no longer permit.
Paul married Ruth Peitz on November 12, 1955 and to this union five children were born. Paul enjoyed raising sheep, hogs, and cattle and spent many a night in the farrowing house and lambing barn with his family assisting. When he wasn’t busy with farming, livestock, and the pheasant hunting business, he was going to rodeos, wrestling matches, basketball, football, and baseball games. Paul served many years on the board of directors at the Dallas Elevator and was a life long member of the Knights of Columbus.
Paul didn’t say a lot but when he did you better listen, as such; do something even if it’s wrong, always plant wheat in the fall you don’t know what spring will bring, if you keep pushing something’s got to give, and if they holler don’t ask them to work cattle.
Paul enjoyed going to cattle sales and was known to have an eye for cattle. He was a serious poker player and a fun-loving pitch player. A kind, quiet man that would keep our somewhat crazy family gatherings calm and sensible (or at least he tried). His deep faith was at the heart of all that he did. Paul religiously attended Mass until health conditions would not allow. Paul was a fair and most appreciative man that would never complain about anything, and that was one, among many, of the greatest life lessons he shared with his family and all that knew him.
Paul peacefully passed away at the Avera Gregory Hospital on December 10, 2016, at the age of 82.
Loading ...