Deryl Sweat

THIS IS WHERE THE COWBOY RIDES AWAY



Father, husband, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, Deryl J. Sweat, 77, passed away peacefully in Sun City, AZ on January 1, 2021 after a brief illness. Deryl was born at his family home in Heber City, UT on February 5, 1943 to his loving parents, Otis and Ora Holland Sweat. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Sweat, daughters Amy Sweat (Troy) and Jennifer Sweat Moss (Bryan); his bonus children from his second marriage Brian Kerutis (Cynthia), Michael Kerutis (LeAnn), Tia Blanchard Sweat, Josh Kerutis; Kathy's children Brett Hale (Melody), Bryan Hale (Laura), Cory Hale (Stephanie); his sisters LaRae Jeffs (Hal), Jolyn Hall (Robert), his brother Von Sweat, and many cousins, nieces and nephews; his grandchildren Kasey Boise (Kristina), Hailey Eden, Scarlett and Savannah Moss; his great-grandchildren Serena and Syler Boice, and Mekhi Brown. He was also blessed with bonus grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom he loved so very much. His entire blended family admired and adored him and will cherish their happy memories with him for all-time. He will be sorely missed by his family, as well as approximately 700,001 of his very best friends.



Deryl graduated Wasatch High School in 1961 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and History from Utah State University in 1965. He was a member of the Utah Army National Guard where he received the sharp shooter award for his unit. In 1968 he went to work for Ford Motor Company and married DeeAnn (Fox) Sweat in February. They lived in Heber City, and from there moved Great Falls, MT. They then returned to Heber City UT in 1973 where they welcomed their daughters. They relocated to Rock Springs WY in 1977. Deryl and Tom Streit purchased the local Ford Dealership which became Rock Springs Ford, and eventually Rock Springs Ford Lincoln Mercury Nissan with Deryl as the sole proprietor, with the infamous motto of buying a vehicle with "No Hassle, No Sweat!" The dealership earned numerous prestigious awards from Ford Motor Company over the years. Deryl's gift of gab and salesmanship skills took him all around the world, and he was well-known within the Wyoming community for his involvement with the Red Desert Roundup Rodeo Committee and the County Fairgrounds. He also was heavily involved in the creation of the Eden Valley arena in Eden, WY.



Deryl married Kathy Unverzagt Hale Sweat August 9, 2008 in Rock Springs, WY. Deryl and Kathy loved dancing together and always said they felt like they had danced together their entire lives. They laughed often, loved deeply and enjoyed each other's company. They also enjoyed traveling, especially to rodeos and taking country music-themed cruises. They spent their summers in Eden, WY and winters in Wittman, AZ, enjoying the beauty of both towns and their close-knit communities. They loved to host their friends and family on special occasions, as well as every day of the week that ends in "day"! It was most unusual to arrive at their home and not run into someone else who was already there to visit them. Everyone seemed to understand that Deryl and Kathy lived by the saying, "The more, the merrier!"



Deryl was our hero, our person from whom we sought out sage advice, the man amongst men who taught us to "cowboy up", and our favorite person to laugh, dance and drink silver bullets with. He taught us about working hard, playing hard and loving hard. He was intelligent, larger-than-life, charismatic, and loved people deeply with his big ol' cowboy heart. Deryl never met a stranger and always made new friends easily, many of whom became just like family members. He enjoyed the beauty of the West Fork of the Duchesne, pack trips in the Wind River mountains with his buddies, hunting, farming, horseback riding, team roping, cars and trucks, attending rodeos (especially the NFR), and spending time with his loved ones. He had the most contagious and unforgettable laugh in the entire world! He always lead with a strong handshake, sparkling eye contact, a big friendly smile, and asked, "How are ya?" with genuine interest, and he gave the best bear hugs! He was a continual seeker of knowledge who loved reading and learning new things. He loved old western music, dancing, campfires, "drinking whiskey and telling lies". Deryl told the BEST stories that always had everyone laughing when he spoke of his many adventures (or misadventures). He and Kathy were often on the go, traveling to visit with friends and family all across the nation. He loved "burning diesel", and was ALWAYS late to arrive, as he was forever running on "Sweat Standard Time". This departure, unfortunately, is the first time he ever went somewhere long before anyone ever thought he would be leaving.



We know there was one helluva party and many happy reunions when you rode in through those pearly gates, Deryl! It was a good ride, Cowboy! Happy trails until we see you again.



The family is planning to hold a celebration of life in Wittmann, AZ in March 2021 and another in Rock Springs, WY in July 2021. Details will be forthcoming as we are navigating the challenges associated with the current pandemic.