Wayne Livermont

Leo Wayne Livermont passed away peacefully at the Bennett County Hospital on July 15th, 2025 at the age of 92. A public visitation will be held on Thursday July 24, 2025 from 5-7:00 pm MST at St. Katherine Episcopal Church in Martin, SD. His funeral service will be held on Friday July 25, 2025 at the Old American Legion Auditorium at 10:00 am. MST Interment with military rites will follow at the Martin Community Cemetery.

Wayne was born on May 28th, 1933 to Charles and Rebecca Livermont. Wayne grew up on the family ranch north of Vetal, SD. He rode his horse to elementary school at the England grade school south of Vetal. He was a graduate of Bennett County High School in 1951 and was drafted in 1952 to the US Army where he served during the Korean war until being honorably discharged.

Wayne was joined in marriage to Marilyn “Micki” Olson on June 8th, 1952. Wayne and Micki met in the third grade and celebrated 52 amazing years of marriage before Micki passed away in 2004. Wayne and Micki were stationed in Fort Benning, Georgia prior to settling on the Livermont family ranch where they spent 39 wonderful years raising their five faithful sons and one lovely daughter.

In 1993, Wayne and Micki made the decision to move to Martin where they could continue fostering friendships and giving back to the community in a number of ways. Wayne was a lifelong Legion member and served as a County Commissioner for eight years. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Vetal Fire Department. He was active on the cemetery board. He also served on the Golden West board for over 20 years where he served as the president and valued the opportunity to travel the country with Micki and meet lifelong friends.

Wayne was a true cowboy and rancher at heart. His passion for ranching was not just a job, it was a cherished way of life to both Wayne and Micki. Together they instilled a deep appreciation for land and the importance of family. Wayne took pride in hard work and collaboration with family and neighbors over the years. He found joy in riding horse, mending fences, and never missed a branding if it was up to him. Wayne held value in ensuring the legacy of ‘the cowboy way’ would continue through generations. He was even inducted in to the Cowboy Hall-of-Fame from the Tri-State Cowgirls association in 2017. Wayne was also an avid sports fan. He was a faithful attendee to his children and grandchildren’s activities. In his later years, he was also known throughout Bennett County as an iconic fan, attending as many youth athletic activities as he could with a sheer sense of absolute Warrior pride.

Wayne embodied deep faith and was a true servant to God. He was a cherished and dedicated member of the Episcopal Church all of his life. He was a true believer and follower of Christ who made his way to church even when the journey was a challenge.

Wayne will be remembered for his profound presence and wisdom. He was a master at sharing great jokes and stories of the past. As a devoted father and grandfather, he enjoyed every moment he spent with his family and numerous friends. He will be greatly missed at morning coffee at Bro’s and other local establishments as well as for his contribution to the western community.

Wayne leaves behind five sons Larry (Vetal, SD), Steve (Vetal, SD), Dean (Vetal, SD), Tom (Dawn Sime) (Rapid City, SD), and Stuart (Martin, SD); 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; his son-in-law, Cam Novotny (Spearfish) as well as numerous nieces, nephews, three sister-in laws, and numerous other extended family members. He was preceded in death by wife Micki, daughter Tammy, his parents, 5 siblings, daughter-in-law Sherri, and grandson Brady.

The family would like to extend a deep gratitude to his many caregivers in his final days. A special thanks to our dear friend Lori Harrison. Lori was a gift from God, assisting Wayne the past two years. The care, compassion, unwavering patience, and friendship she demonstrated towards Wayne will never be forgotten.

Cards can be mailed to P.O. Box # 326, Martin, SD 57551. Flowers can be ordered from Creekside Blooms and Bakery, Martin, SD 605-685-5847.

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