Sheriff King Laid to Rest
Big Horn County Sheriff Darrell King was laid to rest on Tuesday, November 29 after a funeral service with full military honors in front of hundreds of people at Lockwood High School.
Curtis Yarlott, executive director of St. Labre Indian School said, spoke of King saying he was given the task of “trying to distill a person’s life into a few short minutes.” Many of the stories and memories he chose to share were from King's family, friends, teachers among others. Many discussed his ability to stay positive and be a source of joy.
“Even if you couldn’t see him, you’d know he was in the building because you could hear his laugh,” Yarlott said.
King, 55, passed away on Nov. 19 after a vehicle collision near the 2 mile marker on Highway 212. As part of the Montana Highway Patrol investigation, it was determined that a commercial motor vehicle collided head-on with a passenger vehicle being driven by King, which was not a Big Horn County vehicle. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Speed and impairment do not appear to be factors in the crash.
King enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, before beginning a career in law enforcement.
Hundreds of people were in attendance, including members of the Crow and Northern Cheyenne tribe, Gov. Greg Gianforte, First Lady Susan Gianforte, Attorney General Austin Knudsen, President of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe Serena Wetherelt, Crow Tribal Chairman Frank White Clay, Crow Tribal Vice-Chairman Lawrence DeCrane, Crow Tribal Secretary Levi Black Eagle and Crow Tribal Vice-Secretary Channis D. Whiteman. Representatives from Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines, along with representatives from Matt Rosendale and Ryan Zinke.
“I was saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Big Horn County Sheriff Darrell King, who was a key partner to our office and all of our federal law enforcement agencies,” U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich wrote in a press release. “On behalf of all of them, I offer our sincerest condolences to his family. His family should know that federal law enforcement held Sheriff King in the highest regard, and we will honor his legacy of kindness and diplomacy by working collaboratively with all of our partners to keep the people of Big Horn County, Crow Tribe and Northern Cheyenne Tribe safe.”
Sylvan “Buzzy” Covers Up, one of King’s pallbearers, read the obituary, and offered additional thanks to the military individuals who were attending the funeral. He ended his time by saying King was “10-10, and he is “10-42” Referencing the police scanner codes “Off Duty” and “End of Tour” respectively
“Devastated to hear about the loss of Big Horn County Sheriff Darrell King, a dedicated veteran and beloved member of Montana’s law enforcement community. Sharla and my hearts go out to Sheriff King’s family, friends, and colleagues as we mourn his loss,” Sen. Jon Test, D-Montana wrote on his Facebook page.
King was buried at the Fairview Cemetery with military honors.
“Saddened to hear the news of the tragic passing of Big Horn County Sheriff Darrell King. His selfless dedication to our nation as a Marine, his work with the BIA, and his commitment to keeping our local communities safe as County Sheriff left a lasting legacy,” said U.S. Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Montana.
The Funeral was live streamed by the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office Facebook and can still be viewed here.