Darrell “Lynn” Kennison passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026, surrounded by the family and friends who loved him dearly. He joined his beloved wife of 42 years, Merilee, in heaven, where she was waiting for him with potato salad.

If there was ever a saying that perfectly described Lynn, it was “Jack of all trades, master of none.” He would not have had it any other way. Lynn was the kind of man who could dabble in just about anything. Over the years, he worked in fields ranging from truck driving to railroad inspection, with plenty of adventures in between. He was always willing to learn something new, fix something, try something, or simply see where the next adventure would take him.

Lynn was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing of all kinds. He was also a true gun enthusiast, a passion he enjoyed throughout his life. One of his last great adventures was qualifying for the 1,200-yard range at the Pete Lien & Sons Shooting Sports Complex—a fitting final chapter for a man who loved the outdoors, a challenge, and having a good time along the way.

Above all his hobbies, adventures, and accomplishments, Lynn’s greatest pride was his family. His children and grandchildren were his prize possessions, and he could never fully express how proud he was of them and the people they had become.

Lynn will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his love of the outdoors, his willingness to try just about anything, and, most importantly, the love and pride he had for his family. To those who knew him best, he was not only a jack of all trades but also a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and one-of-a-kind friend. And then there are the Lynn-isms—those sayings, stories, expressions, and little pieces of wisdom that were uniquely Lynn. They are never-ending, and they will live on in all of us forever, bringing a smile, a laugh, or a “Yep, that was Dad” moment when we least expect it.

Lynn is survived by his three children, Tacy (Nate) McMillin, Troy (Russell) Kennison, and Abby (Fidensio) Simental; his three grandchildren, Kelly, Brystol, and Mateo; his brother, Larry (Micki) Kennison and his family; and his sister, Sandra (Dean) DeVault and her family, along with many extended family members and dear friends who will forever carry his memory with them.

In keeping with Lynn’s personality, the family asks that those attending his funeral leave the dress clothes at home and wear their favorite hunting or outdoor attire. They want his service to feel like Lynn—not formal, but comfortable, genuine, and surrounded by the things he loved.

Services are pending.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Lynn Kennison Memorial at the South Dakota Wildlife Federation Youth Conservation Camp. Contributions will help provide young people with opportunities to explore the outdoors, learn about wildlife and conservation, and develop the same appreciation for nature that Lynn carried throughout his life. This memorial will honor Lynn’s love of the outdoors while helping introduce future generations to the activities and values he cherished.