David Big Eagle

David Big Eagle, 48, of Big Bend, SD, passed away Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, Big Bend.  Burial followed at the church cemetery with military honors.  Wake services were held at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, March 4, 2012 and 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 5, 2012 at the church in Big Bend.

David Douglas Big Eagle was born November 22, 1963 to Henry and Mary Agnes (St. John) Big Eagle.  He grew up in Big Bend and later attended the Mitchell Institute obtaining degrees in Architectural Drafting/Building Construction and Welding.  David was a U.S. soldier Private First Class, serving in the National Guard, completed basic combat training and field artillery crewman course.  He was honorably discharged in 1992.

David loved sports as an avid fan, observer and active participant.  He loved to fish, hunt, throw horseshoes, bowling, watching basketball, baseball and football.  His favorite football teams were the New York Jets, Eagles and Seattle Seahawks.  His favorite basketball teams were the Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs and North Carolina Tar Heels.  David loved hunting and fishing with his brothers, nephews and grandsons; each was always a fun-filled adventure.  David and his brothers were always together; sometimes just sitting around visiting, joking with each other and having a “good laugh” at each other’s expense. 

David held various jobs throughout his life.  His job resume included a long list of laborer and construction jobs.  Some of these jobs included being a concrete and construction laborer, security sergeant, window installer, deli/meat department, form builder, bus driver, water department and various other laborer positions.  He worked for the Crow Creek Tribal Schools for several years as a Dorm Parent, Security, Shop teacher’s aide and temporary librarian.  David loved to do carpentry; he was always helping his family with some type of construction/building project.  David was very humble, compassionate, enthusiastic and generous person.  David was very knowledgeable and creative when working on any task or project that he did; he would take his time and make sure that the job was done right.  David loved the challenge of working on and completing his projects, he was a real “jack of all trades!”

He spent much of his day with his little grandson, Vincent David who is his little “name sake.”  Vincent David is four years old and loved his “Pa Bave.”  David would ride bike with him, play ball, take walks and other games that Vincent wanted to play.

David loved all his family dearly and would do anything for any of them but he spent a lot of time with his nephews, Cory Chase, Anthony Big Eagle, Eric Big Eagle, Timothy Big Eagle, Jr., and Nick Big Eagle.  Cory, Eric, Timothy, Nick, Isaac and Latony considered David their dad.  He was always there when they needed him.  His dear friend, Chris Gravatt will greatly miss him also.

He will be greatly missed by his brothers, Thomas and Tony Big Eagle of Big Bend, Don Big Eagle of Fort Thompson and Bernard Big Eagle of Pierre; sisters, Arlis Big Eagle, Durine Chase, Jeanette Marks and Mona Big Eagle, all of Big Bend; and his nieces, nephews, grandchildren and friends.

David left this earth with his son, Isaac Big Eagle and they now join their family in heaven.  Waiting to join them in heaven are David’s parents, Henry and Mary Agnes; his brothers, Joseph, Timothy, Sr., Randy and Leonard; sister, Henrietta “Etta”; infant brothers, Antoine and Benjamin; infant sister, Antoinette; maternal grandparents, Benjamin and Susan (Smells the Earth) St. John; paternal grandparents, Henry, Sr. and Julia (Fire Tail) Big Eagle; uncles, Gerald Big Eagle, Alvord, Rudy, Jonas and Edmund St. John; aunts, Clara With Horn, Julia Wounded Knee, Marie Marks, Charlotte Loudner and several other relatives.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with David’s arrangements.