Melvin Bagola, Sr.

Melvin Bagola Sr., 77, of Eagle Butte, passed away Saturday, October 15, 2016 at the Mobridge Regional Hospital.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., MDT, Monday, October 24, 2016 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Eagle Butte, with Mother Margaret Watson and Mikayla Dunfee presiding. Burial followed at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cemetery, LaPlant, with Military Honors. An all-night wake began at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, October 23, 2016 at the church, with a procession from the 4-mile at 4:00 p.m.

Melvin Bagola was born September 21, 1939 in Thunder Butte, SD to Guy and Mary (Straight Head) Bagola. He attended country school in Thunder Butte through the 6^th grade and went on to receive his high school diploma from the Old Agency School. Following high school, Melvin completed two years of carpentry training through the Cheyenne River Community College. He also enlisted and served in the United States Marines.

Melvin married Beverly Clown and to this union two children were born: Julie and Gerald Bagola. He later married Doris Big Mane and together they had three children: Melvin Jr., Melva, and Daren Bagola.

Melvin worked as a Head Start bus driver for many years and did carpentry work, as well as ranch work and breaking horses. He was involved in the rodeo circuit where he did saddle broncing and bare back riding.

He was well known as an excellent basketball player in his younger years and continued to enjoy watching sporting events on television.

Melvin’s life will be cherished by his children: Julie, Gerald, Melvin Jr. (Priscilla), and Daren; step children: Adel White Dog and David White Dog; many grandchildren; sisters: Eva Bagola, Hilda Marshall, and Laura Bagola; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Melva Bagola; stepchildren: Joe, Donald and Rheta White Dog; one brother, Nathan Bagola; and two sisters, Esterlline Low Dog and Guyla Jandeau.

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