William R. "Slim" McNaught

William R. McNaught, better known as “Slim” by his family and friends, was born July 8, 1934, in Stuart, Nebraska to Archie and Troy (Hare) McNaught. The following year his parents moved to a ranch southwest of Wanblee, South Dakota. Slim spent his formative years as a South Dakota ranch hand. Many of the talents for which he would be recognized later in life were germane to that point in his life. He began leather work by working on saddles and gear that his family used. He was introduced to poetry by his mother, a poet in her own right.

After graduating 8th grade in 1948, he ventured north into Canada for a year of high school at Three High in Alberta, Canada. Following his freshman year, Slim transferred to a parochial Methodist School in Wessington Springs, South Dakota. While there he met his wife, Darlene, who was a couple of years behind him in school at the local public school. Slim returned to Martin, South Dakota for his final year of high school, graduating in 1952.

Slim and Darlene (Brodkorb) were married on June 1, 1954, and moved to the ranch near Long Valley, South Dakota. After three years they decided to chase new dreams. In 1957 Slim began over the road trucking. Over the next few years their family grew. Candace was born July 17, 1956, followed by Rockie in August 19, 1957, Monty on August 7, 1961, and Kevin on February 27, 1963.

Slim always enjoyed working leather as a sideline and in 1973 he went to work for Jay Crowser in Philip, South Dakota. Slim and Darlene opened their own store in Kadoka in 1976. Numerous rodeo athletes at the Kadoka Rodeo Bible Camp from 1980-2015 received hand made leather Bible covers made by Slim. Also, Slim provided leather plaques for the Western Junior Livestock Show and Bible covers for the New Underwood Bible Camp. Slim also worked in law enforcement and was a certified EMT as well. In 1989, following a heart attack, they relocated to New Underwood, South Dakota. They opened Slim’s there and continued leather by internet and craft fairs. Slim also became chief of police in New Underwood, also being cross deputized with the Pennington County Sheriff’s Department.

Slim’s first dabbling into public poetry performing was Valentine’s Day of 2004. Throughout this venture he published seven books and three CDs and traveled to several states.

Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Darlene; four children: Candace McNaught of New Underwood, Rockie McNaught of Rapid City, Monty McNaught and his wife Susan of Blunt, and Kevin McNaught of Draper; seven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; two step-great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Slim was preceded in death by his parents Archie and E. Troy; and one granddaughter Kylee McNaught.

Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025 at the Community Church in New Underwood with Pastor Jake Julson officiating.

Service Details

MEMORIAL SERVICE
Saturday, April 5, 2025 - 11:00 a.m.
Community Church
New Underwood, South Dakota

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