Carl C Garreaux Sr.

Carl Calvin Garreaux, Sr, 55, of Eagle Butte, passed away Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Cheyenne River Health Center, Eagle Butte. Carl leaves behind a legacy filled with love, laughter, kindness, and lasting friendships. His life was marked by humble beginnings and endurance. He was surrounded by his family, who held his hand and comforted him as he transitioned to heaven.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. MDT, Saturday, September 26, 2026, at CRST Bingo Hall, Eagle Butte. Burial will follow in the Congregational Cemetery, LaPlant. Wake services at 7:00 p.m., Friday, September 25, 2026, at the hall with a procession from the 4-Mile at 4:00 p.m.

Carl Calvin Garreaux Sr. was born February 15, 1971, in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, to Cyril Garreaux and Beatrice Bowker. He was baptized at the Congregational Church in LaPlant, South Dakota, by Reverend Berry. Carl loved attending church, and it did not matter which church he attended, he simply loved the gospel.

Carl attended school at St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain and at Cheyenne-Eagle Butte.

Carl was a proud father to Tucker, Carl Calvin Jr. “CJ”, and McKenzie Josette. He was married to Kristine Martinez, and together they shared a loving family. He was a loving stepfather to Santana Martinez, Jesse Brown, and Raven Brown, whom he raised and loved as his own. Carl cherished his grandchildren, Kaden, Deven, Brooklynn, Kasen, Mysia, Kato, Kayliah, K’Moni, Kenzi, Kali, and K’Myli. He was also a loving brother, uncle, and grandfather and loved his nieces and nephews dearly.

Carl was especially close to his nephews Tyson and Winston and his nieces Del Nita and Alex’E. He loved his sister’s dog, Khloe Jade, and his cat, “Merle Clampet.” He was especially proud of his nephew Jaxson. The two would read the Bible, talk about various things, and watch television together.

Carl lived a life that moved with a steady light, and those who knew him will remember a heart that was generous, loving, and gentle. He carried kindness in the way he spoke and offered help before it was asked, always with a humble spirit that never sought praise or recognition. His life was a quiet song of care, and wherever he went, he made it clear that he would always be there for those he loved.

He loved and protected the people he cared for fiercely and would do anything for them. He had a big heart and was always willing to share whatever he had with someone who needed it.

Music was always an important part of Carl’s life. One song in particular, “Spirit in the Sky,” carried a lifetime of memories for him. He loved music, especially classic country, classic rock, and oldies rock ‘n’ roll.

Carl also enjoyed sports, especially football, and was a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan. He was often with his cousin, Jeff Bowker, who was a special part of his life.

Carl’s lifelong career in construction began in the early 1990s when his brother-in-law, Alfred, taught him the skills and experience he needed to begin working in the field. Alfred helped him get a job in road construction, where they worked together building bridges on Highway 212 near LaPlant and at numerous other locations throughout South Dakota, working on roads and bridges.

From there, Carl continued working in construction and became a longtime employee of GBA, where he built houses and performed many other types of construction work. He followed his employer to Rapid City, where he became a well-known and highly skilled concrete worker with decades of experience.

Carl took great pride in his work and spoke highly of the people he worked with. He even jokingly referred to himself as “Carl Calvin Concrete.” His work was an important part of who he was, and he took great pride in the skills he had developed throughout his career.

Although our hearts were not ready to let him go, we find comfort in knowing that he no longer has to hurt or fight. His body can finally rest, and his spirit is free.

“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.”

Carl’s life, though brief, will go on in the hearts of those who loved him. His memory will continue to shine, and he will be missed beyond measure but never forgotten. Love like his does not fade away. It lingers in the laughter of sisters, brothers, and friends; in the tenderness of a son’s or daughter’s embrace; and in the family circle that will carry his memory with them every day.

May Carl Calvin rest in peace, wrapped in eternal light and grace. May his memory bring comfort, even as it brings tears, and may those who love him find strength in the days to come. He was generous, loving, and gentle, and those words will forever ring true, for a life so kind leaves a lasting impression.

Some of Carl’s most joyful memories were of his two beloved children, CJ and McKenzie, who passed before him. He loved and missed them dearly. When speaking of them, he would smile and cry. He also deeply missed his mother and his baby brother, Smokey.

Carl spent 55 years surrounded by family, and they will always remember him with a good laugh, a big smile, and an even bigger heart that no one can fill. He will always be missed and loved by all. The day Carl passed, September 5, was also the same day, 31 years ago, that his mother passed away. Because of this, September 5 will forever be a sad and meaningful day for the family.

Carl is survived by his son, Tucker Garreaux; his siblings, Anita Thompson and family, Tyrell Garreaux, Carla Lawrence and family, and Richard Laundreaux and family; as well as his grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his children, Carl “CJ” Garreaux Jr. and McKenzie J. Garreaux; his parents, Cyril Garreaux and Beatrice Bowker Traversie; his brothers, Sheldon Ray Bowker and Smokey Traversie; and his sister, Theresa Lofton; paternal grandparents, William Seraphine and Lillian (Flexible) Garreaux; maternal grandparents, Jonas Sr. and Alice (Shaving) Bowker; paternal aunts and uncles, Delma (Gx) Iron Moccasin, Inez (Gx) Thompson, Esther Garreaux, Yvonne “Yogi” Garreaux, Carl, Calvin, and William Garreaux; maternal aunts and uncles, Evelyn (Bowker) Veaux, Isabelle (Bowker) Slides Off, Delores (Bowker) High Elk, Majel (Bowker) Bird Necklace, Jonas Jr., Clarence, Donald, Darryl, Michael, and Warren Bowker; father-in-law, Cris Martinez; and other relatives and friends.

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