Martin LeBeau

Martin M. LeBeau, 89, of Eagle Butte passed away, Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. MDT, Monday, September 29, 2014 at All Saints Catholic Church, Eagle Butte with Fr. Adam Hofer presiding. Burial followed at Mossman Cemetery, Ridgeview. A wake service was held at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, September 28, 2014 with visitation one hour prior at the church.

Martin Marty LeBeau was born at home in the Four Bear community to Albert Sr. and Esther (Rondell) LeBeau on August 13, 1925. Martin was the seventh son of nine boys born to this union. His early years were spent at home where he attended a country school and enjoyed a simple way of life alongside his siblings and parents. He later attended school at St. Joseph’s, but the majority of his youth was spent at Four Bear, where he learned the skills to be a cattle and ranchman.

Martin served in the military during WWII and was a member of the 42^nd Infantry. He served his country and remained a loyal veteran throughout his life. He was proud of his son’s and grandson’s service in the military.

Martin married Gladys Claymore on October 24, 1953, and they had eight children. Sadly, Gladys met her untimely death in 1989. He remarried Thelma Peacock in 2002, and they spent eight happy years together.

Martin was employed with IHS at the Old Agency and retired from the BIA in Eagle Butte.

Martin was many things to his family; a quiet man who enjoyed watching a good football game, boxing match or rodeo, an avid reader, a good listener and someone who could be depended on. He was the foundation of his family.

He admired the cowboy way of life and enjoyed his weekly visits to Sharon’s ranch where at the age of 85, he rode horseback to bring the cattle in for branding; a feat to be proud of. He enjoyed the yearly birthday celebrations held in his and his brothers’ honor, family get-togethers, and spending time with his brothers when he could.

Martin had a strong belief in the Great Spirit and knew that it was through his blessing that all things were possible.

Those he left behind will remember his quiet dignity, his gentle manner, and his independence. Rest in peace Dad.

Proud to have shared in his life are his children: Elaine (Mark) Goehring of Blunt, Leland (Melissa) LeBeau of Eagle Butte, Sharon Anderson of Eagle Butte, Russell (Dianna) LeBeau of Browns Valley, MN, Julian LeBeau of Spearfish, Donna (Richie) Vrooman of Redfield, Lee Anne (Clint) Birkeland of Dupree, and Blaine LeBeau of Blunt; 14 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; two brothers: Casimir LeBeau of Eagle Butte and Sebastian LeBeau of Swiftbird; and seven step-children.

He was preceded in death by his wives, Gladys and Thelma; his parents; one infant sister, Phoebe; six brothers: Ralph, Theodore, Vincent, Quintin, Mike, and Vern; two grandsons: Cooper LeBeau and Flint Dahl; and son-in-law, Eddie Anderson.

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