Leroy Curley

Leroy Curley, 77, of Eagle Butte, died Saturday, October 6, 2012 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. MDT, Friday, October 12, 2012, at the Cultural Center, Eagle Butte.  Burial followed at the Fool Dog Cemetery, Iron Lightning with military honors.  All night wake services began at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 11, 2012 at the Cultural Center with a procession forming at the four mile at 4:00 pm.

Leroy Cleophus Curley (Wicahpi Wanjila) was born on April 21, 1935 in Thunder Butte, South Dakota to Peter Jake and Marie (Wet Skirt) Curley. In his early years he attended Iron Lightning Day School and then transferred to Old Agency Boarding School where he went on to graduate in 1955.

Shortly after he graduated he enlisted in the US Marine Corp in April 1957 as a PVT, and then was honorably discharged in April 1958. After coming home he attended Northern State College, Black Hills State College and Cheyenne River Community College. He then received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the Veterans Administration Center in Hot Springs, South Dakota.

In 1982 he created the Scientific 41 Letter Alphabet for Lakota Language and 10 symbols for the base-ten Lakota number system. He was on the Titunwan Lakota birth of Nations, Titunwan Treaty Council at 1868, Black Hills Treaty Council, Wounded Knee Treaty Council, Eagle Lodge Denver Co. He also traveled to different countries such as: France, Puerto Rico, Germany, Switzerland and Mexico. He received several honors and awards throughout his lifetime. He was a United Nations Native Ambassador representing all Tribes. A book was written by Nate Meyer with Leroy's help. The title of the book was, “The Titunwan, Lakota Alphabet as an Icon of Decolonization”. Many of Leroy’s articles on Lakota value and history were published in the local newspaper. 

He enjoyed meeting new people in his travels and spending time with his family and friends.  He was very proud of his grandchildren that had enlisted in the services, which he gave Indian names to. Leroy also kept up with all of his other grandchildren and their accomplishments. Education played a big role in Leroy’s life, and he encouraged them to go to school and study hard.

Leroy is survived by his nephews: Cecil Jr., Kenneth, Myron, Keith, Irving and Danny Curley, David West Sr. and Loren Curley; nieces: Linda Addison, Amelia, Melissa, Joan Curley, Rose Red Dog, Nancy, Renee West, Cece Baumeister and Audrey West Houser; 88 grandchildren; 184 great grandchildren; and eight great great grandchildren

Leroy was preceded in death by his mother, father, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and 10 great grandchildren.

Luce Funeral Chapel of Eagle Butte has been entrusted with Leroy’s arrangements.