Harry Burford Darrough Jr.

Harry B. Darrough Jr.

"Best Life Ever"

Harry Burford Darrough Jr., one of the true cowboys, took his final ride on May 15, 2026, at the age of 98.

Born in Nixon, Texas, in 1927 to the late Harry Burford Darrough Sr. and Lola Lenore (Null) Darrough. He was a cowboy in the truest sense: a man who never turned down an opportunity to check a fence line, thank God for a rainfall no matter how small, or spend a long day in the saddle watching over his cattle. Harry often said that he always wanted to be a cowboy, and that's just what he was. By his own account, he truly had the best life ever.

Harry's lifelong journey with the land and livestock began at an early age. By the age of fourteen, he was already proving his grit, working on the legendary Turkey Track Ranch in 1941. He later refined his skills working for John Fanning on the Dagger Ranch, fulfilling his passion for the cowboy way of life. In 1946, he answered the call to serve his country, entering the United States Army and serving in Japan during WWII. Upon his honorable discharge, his heart called him right back to the open country of New Mexico.

His ultimate dream came to fruition in 1956, when he purchased his own ranch just outside of Carlsbad. For 14 years, he poured his sweat and dedication into that land before moving to Roswell in 1970. In Roswell, he became a fixture of the regional livestock industry, buying and selling cattle with a sharp eye, a trusted handshake, and a reputation for absolute integrity until his retirement in 1987. Throughout his journey, he was happiest looking out over the open range, especially when it was filled with cattle.

While the rangeland was his life's work, his heart belonged to his wife, Joyce Darrough. Together in Roswell for nearly 50 years, Joyce was his anchor, his partner, providing him with unwavering love and companionship through the sunset of his long life.

Harry's large family was woven together by love rather than labels. He was preceded in death by his wives, Reva and Lynda; his brother, Jack Darrough; his sister, Nell; and five children whom he loved and raised as his own: Gary, Jimmy, Floyd, Jerry, and Leslie.

His memory lives on in the heart of his beloved Joyce. He is survived by his children: his son, Wayne (Margaret); his daughter and "Daddy's Little Girl," Misty Thompson; his daughters, Venessa and Joy, and son Lester, whom he also loved as his own. His legacy cascades through multiple generations of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, alongside a close-knit circle of nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Later in his life, when the long days in the saddle slowed down, Harry found a new passion - garage selling. He didn't just love hunting for unique treasures at garage sales; he loved having them. In his final years, when he was no longer able to get out and about, his garage became his favorite place to be. He immensely enjoyed sitting out there, watching the clouds go by, and visiting with the folks who stopped by to chat, swap stories, and spend a bit of time with him. It was a perfect reflection of his enduring spirit-always welcoming, always looking for the good in things, and forever a cowboy at heart.

To honor his memory and love for animals, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Roswell Humane Society (703 E. McGaffey St., Roswell, NM 88203) in memory of his beloved dogs, Runt and Biggin.

A graveside service celebrating Harry's 98-year journey across the range will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, at Memory Lawn Memorial Park in Roswell, where he will be laid to rest beneath the New Mexico dirt he spent his life honoring.