Joseph Blue Coat

Joseph Milo Blue Coat, 90, of Sans Arc Community and White Horse, passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at I.H.S. Hospital, Eagle Butte, with his loved ones by his side.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., MST, Friday, November 17, 2017 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Eagle Butte, with Mother Margaret Watson presiding. Burial will follow at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cemetery, LaPlant, with military honors. A wake service will be at 7:00 p.m., MST, Thursday, November 16, 2017 at the church, with a procession from the 4-mile at 1:00 p.m.

Joseph Milo Blue Coat was born on March 24, 1927 to Thomas Amos and Mary L. Man Blue Coat in rural White Horse, SD. Joe Milo grew up with his parents; along with siblings: Sam, Homer, Severt, Norman, and a sister, Linda. At the age of 17 he lost his mother, so he lived with his dad in the On The Tree area. His dad married Emma Good Bear, whose children were Henry, Earlwin, Annie, and Evelyn. The families then joined together.

Joe Milo would share his stories with his nephews, nieces, and grandchildren. He told of helping local ranchers, and at the early age of seven he was earning fifty cents a day taking care of horses.

In 1945, Joe Milo enlisted into the United States Army. While at Boot Camp, he became ill and was hospitalized for a very long time. He remembers being given a uniform, but eventually he was given a medical discharge.

Upon his return, Joe Milo spent time with the Hawk Eagle family in Green Grass. He often told of his adventures with Benjamin Hawk Eagle Sr.

He shared that he had asked Mary Ida Larrabee to wed. He was told to provide a home for his future family, so he sold some land and bought a house. In October of 1957, Mary Ida and Joe Milo were married in Pierre, SD. They were later divorced.

Joe Milo was active in the UCC Church and was faithful to attend church gatherings and meetings. He had a beautiful voice as he sang from the Lakota hymnals. He was also known for his ability to cook for many occasions, such as pow wows, funerals, memorials, etc.

In 2001, Joe Milo went with a group to Washington, DC to make a CD. He was a true “Indian Cowboy”, an excellent horseman, ranch hand, and even a farmer. He worked for his brother-in-law, Edward Dupris, for many years in On The Tree.

Some of the things he enjoyed were driving bus for summer youth; being a mechanic; working with leather making braided halters from big to small and also braided key chains of all colors. It was awesome to get one because it was a one of a kind.

Joe Milo was always willing to help out where he was needed, whether it was family or friend. In 2001 he became ill, having heart problems that slowed him down for a few weeks. He was supposed to be on bedrest for two weeks; but was up and around in a couple of days. In the 1990’s he was diagnosed with a heart condition. He quit smoking and began his sobriety, of which he was very proud. In 2004, he was hospitalized with Gillian Barre Syndrome, and that’s when he had to give up his cowboy way of life of riding horses, being a mechanic, and cooking; as he had physical limitations.

Joe Milo helped raise some of his grandsons. He enjoyed being a foster type parent. Joe Milo had a lot of friends and family, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him as “Uncle Joe” or “Brother Joe”.

He is survived by his hunka daughter, Carmen Chase; sister cousins: Rose Bad Hand, Marge Blue Coat and their children; nephew, Richard Red Elk and children, Phillip “Jr.” Blue Coat and Ira Blue Coat families; the Blue Coat Girls: Carrie, Carla, Reba, Ina and their families; the Red Dog Families; Good Bear Families; the Dupris Families; and many more extended family members here and at Standing Rock Reservation. Joseph lived in McLaughlin with Elizabeth Bruguier and granddaughters: Amy and Destiny Leaf; and great grandson A’stin Leaf.

Joe Milo is proceeded in death by his parents: Mary, Thomas and Emma Blue Coat; brothers: Sam, Homer, Severt, and Norman; sister, Linda; infant siblings; step-siblings: Henry, Earlwin Good Bear, Annie Red Dog, and Evelyn Dupris; and Mary Ida.

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