Danny Curley

Danny Curley, 59, of Eagle Butte, passed away Friday, August 20, 2021 at his home in Eagle Butte.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. MDT, Monday, August 30, 2021 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Eagle Butte. A wake service will be 6:00 p.m., Sunday, August 29, 2021 at the church with a procession from the 4-mile east of town at 4:00 p.m.

Daniel was born on July 18, 1962, to Cecil Curley, Sr. and Amy (Iron Lightning) Curley in Eagle Butte, SD. He was the youngest out of his brothers. He grew up and went to school in Eagle Butte. Danny had seven brothers; Arlen, Keith, Kenneth, Cecil Jr., Myron, Irving, and Andy; and six sisters, Grace, Linda, Rosie, Amelia, Melissa, and Joan. Danny also grew up with Jerry, Grace’s son, whom Danny considered his little brother.

Danny became a Firefighter for the BIA Fire Dept. and would be called out to fight fires with other crew members from Cheyenne River. Danny excelled in leading others and set such a great example that eventually he was moved up to a Crew Boss. Danny also worked with the Daycare Program where he was a Janitor and a Bus Driver. After this Danny started working for the CRST Bingo Hall where he put in over 20 years for the Department, starting out as the Assistant Manager and then became the Manager, until he retired from there due to health reasons. At the Bingo Hall Danny wore many “hats” such as, Assistant, Floor Walker, Caller, and Cashier. From his many years working at the Bingo Hall Danny met many friends, who always greeted Danny and were happy to see him, even after he no longer worked there. After retiring Danny went on to volunteer with the YMCA and did a lot of work to prepare Camp Marrowbone to open for the season.

Danny met Valerie Dupris on February 14, 1983, and they made their home in Eagle Butte on Dupree St. then moved to the Iron Lightning community for a few years, then back to Eagle Butte to Sesame Street then onto Knot’s Landing and finally to their forever home, in Habitat Housing.

Danny and Valerie would take care of several nieces and nephews throughout the years, this is where he made many lasting relationships with quite a few, some who even considered him a father figure, or a “second dad”. Danny had a kind heart and would not turn anyone away, always helping someone, somewhere. Whether it be mechanics, helping with yard work, or just assisting in chores that others needed help with, Danny was there when you would call. 

On June 12, 1988, his son Courtney “Koko” Curley was born, his son was the joy of his life. Danny lost his son in June of 2007 and from then on, he would speak of his son often and would miss his son dearly, even up to the night before Danny left he mentioned how much he missed his son.

On September 2, 1992, Danny and Valerie were married in Eagle Butte, SD at the Judge’s Chambers. Danny and Valerie were married for 29 years but were together for 36 years. In 1998 Danny and Valerie took in their special granddaughter, Ty’Leigha Takes the Knife, “Dot Mae'', and helped raise her for numerous years. Ty’Leigha received Koko’s Lakota name after his passing, which was given to her by Danny and Valerie. They have always held a close relationship with their granddaughter throughout the years. This relationship carried on when Ty’Leigha had her son, Lawsyn Dream, Danny always asked about his great grandson, even when he was sick.

During this time Danny enjoyed participating in softball, fast pitch, basketball, and volleyball tournaments. He made a lot of special friends from numerous activities that he was part of. He also enjoyed going to pow wows to watch his son Koko grass dance and Koko’s siblings dance as well; Buca, Delaine, Luther and Julie Blue Thunder. When Danny would see or was greeted by his wife’s relatives, he remembered his Lakota traditions by not addressing them by their names, examples such as, “did you see your relative/or your cousin?” A few other past times he enjoyed were horseshoes and attending inipi and the Sundance at Leon Red Dog Sr.’s and Gilbert Red Dog’s in On the Trees.

During his health issues Danny remained in good spirits and was very thankful for all who came and visited and prayed for him during his trying times. Danny stayed strong day after day but knew when it was his time to move on. Losing Danny leaves a large void in his family's hearts, but we know that he is whole again, and his son greeted him with open arms on the other side.

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