Fred Dupris

Wilmer “Fred” Dupris, Jr., 68, of Eagle Butte, passed away Thursday, January 5, 2022, as the result of a motor vehicle accident in rural Armstrong County, South Dakota.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. MST, Saturday, January 15, 2022, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Eagle Butte, with Mother Ellen Huber presiding.  Burial will follow in <D> Family Cemetery, Iron Lightning.  A wake will be 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., Friday, January 14, 2022, at the church, with a procession from the 4-mile near Eagle Butte at 3:00 p.m.

Fred was born at Cheyenne Agency, South Dakota on October 14, 1953, to Wilmer Douglas and Cordelia Iron Lightning Dupris.  He is the sixth of ten children, Barbara, Wilma, Douglas, Casey, Kermit, Fred, Dana, Jacqueline, Carol, Connie, and half-brother to David Buddy “Boo” Dupris.

Fred grew up on the ranch northwest of Iron Lightning on the Cheyenne River Reservation and spent an “adventurous” childhood with his brothers and cousins, racing horses, learning to be a horse wrangler, cow rider and occasionally trying his skill at bronc riding.  He attended the Cheyenne-Eagle Butte schools, graduating in 1973.  Fred was involved in school sports, playing football and basketball, running track and cross country.  Following high school, he enrolled in vocational (auto mechanics) school in Fargo, North Dakota.  Returning to South Dakota, Fred married his high school “sweetheart” Gloria LaPlante on October 4, 1974, and a son and two daughters were born to this union:  Jayme Grant, Memoree Michon and Codi D’Lauris. Fred and Gloria remained friends through the years, supportive of each other; welcoming the births of their grandchildren together and sharing holidays and special occasions with the kids and grandkids.

Fred’s love of sports led him in the direction of becoming a basketball referee, which perhaps at that time (mid-seventies) he was one of the first and few Native American sports referees in the area.  To name a few, some of his referee partners at that time were Francis Zacher, Randy Thomas, Ken Prue, Sam Azure and Warren LeBeau. He also continued to participate in league basketball, league softball, biking, running and was known to enter up in a marathon or two.  Fred was known to say that he did not enter the marathon to “win” but ran to represent his family.

Never one to be idle, Fred could usually be found working on small “fixit” projects, either at his home or helping one of his children or friends, going on a “road” trip to visit his children, siblings or a relative. We could count on Fred to be right there to help when needed, or he’d just show up to let us know he cared.  He truly enjoyed the challenge of staying active, getting out there and doing the things he enjoyed. 

In Fred’s early years of employment, he worked in fencing and road construction; he then worked as a Range Aid with Land Management and eventually served as Director of CRST Land and Natural Resources. He was employed as a YMCA Youth Worker and eventually served as Director of the Sioux YMCA.  Working with the YMCA afforded him the opportunity to serve the youth of Cheyenne River, Oglala, Rosebud, and Standing Rock reservations.  Throughout his tenure as YMCA Director Fred made several trips to Japan representing the Sioux YMCA and its’ work on the select Sioux reservations of South Dakota. Fred served as a long-time member on the YMCA Board of Directors. He was also employed with Lynn’s Super Valu as an assistant meat cutter, Manager of Video Adventure & C-store, CRST Headstart teacher assistant, CRST Transit driver, and various bus driving positions for the Standing Rock Schools, Eagle Butte School District 20-1, Theodore Jamerson Elementary School of Bismarck, ND and Harlow’s School Bus Service of Bismarck, ND.  At the time of Fred’s passing, he was employed with the CRST Gas Company as a driver. 

Fred’s TRUE loves in this life were his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He took great pride in each one of them, spending time with them, encouraging them in their interests, sports and other activities.  Very proud Poppa Fred!  AND his work! Always encouraged to retire, which he did make a few attempts at but, would end up back at work because he was “bored”.  His compassion for people drove him to do his best job possible and to be the best person he could be.  How he loved to tease and joke with those friends and relatives closest to him!  His children like to describe their dad as their true “Hero” in life. He left this earthly plane in true DAD fashion – Being the best Dad – Being a good public servant – A True WARRIOR!

Fred is dearly loved and will be forever missed by his son, Jayme Grant, daughters, Memoree Michon and Codi D’Lauris; grandsons: Brexton, Daunte, Stockten, Saxxten and Ryder; granddaughters: JreVen, Tylaina Jean, Justelle, Dannika, Jaymen, RhyLyn and Bree; great granddaughters, Rylee Jo and J’Lyah; great grandsons, Joseph and Jayeten; siblings: Barb Dupris, Kermit (Nancy) Dupris, Dana (Wynema) Dupris, Carol (Tom) Knight, Connie Dupris Clown, Stephen (Sarah) Smith (hunka), Susie Payne (hunka), and John (Lily) Bachman (hunka); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Wilmer Douglas and Cordelia (Iron Lightning) Dupris; paternal grandparents, Douglas and Mabel (Poor Buffalo) Dupris; maternal grandparents, Grant and Mollie (High Elk) Iron Lightning; and siblings: Wilma, Jackie, David Buddy “Boo” Dupris, Douglas Dupree, Casey Dupris; and nephews, Douglas “BD” Dupree Jr. and David “Boo” Dupris Jr.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Fred’s arrangements.