Terrance Red Bear

“Akicita Hoksila” Soldier Boy

Terrance Red Bear, 61, of Bear Creek, passed away Thursday, May 5, 2016 at I.H.S. Hospital, Eagle Butte.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., MST, Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Eagle Butte, with Mother Margaret Watson presiding. Burial will follow in the Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, at 3:00 p.m. All night wake service will be at 7:00 p.m., MST, Sunday, May 15 and Monday May 16 2016, at St. John’s Episcopal Church with a procession from the 4 mile at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Terrance Emanuel Red Bear was born May 14, 1954 at Cheyenne Agency to Lillian Irene Garter and Manuel Joseph Red Bear. They made their home north of Thunder Butte, SD; at a place called Little Beaver Creek Ranch. He was the oldest of their children.

In his childhood, Terrance attended country school in the Thunder Butte area from K-3^rd grade. After 3^rd grade, Terrance’s father, Manuel, suffered a stroke and moved most of the family to Bear Creek, SD. Terrance remained living on the ranch with his grandparents, Henry and Lois Red Bear, while be began attending the Cheyenne Eagle Butte Boarding School. He later joined the family at Bear Creek. He enjoyed the ranch life with his family, working with the horses, helping with the chores, hunting, fishing and just being out in the country.

Terrance graduated from Cheyenne Eagle Butte High School with the class of 1971. On August 11, 1972 he graduated from the United States Marine Corps, in San Diego, CA, as US Private, 1^st Class (E-1) Terrence E. Red Bear with his platoon, First Battalion, Platoon 1104. He was honorably discharged on July 27, 1973.

Terrance married Darlene Bagola on October 10, 1973. The couple made their home in Bear Creek, SD. To this union five children were born: Terri Dorayne, Shawn David, Sheldon Scott, Tristan Spencer, and Deedra Cherice Red Bear.

Terrance’s work experience began as a police officer. Later, he went on to work with the B.I.A. Roads Department. When that job on the 17 mile to Cherry Creek was completed, he worked with the C.R.S.T. H.I.P. program as a carpenter and later a C.R.S.T. Property and Supply janitor. Finally, he was in the Food Distribution Program for many years until complications with his diabetes forced him into retirement. Over the years, Terrence obtained certificates for exemplary job performance which was reflected by the way he conducted himself with his life, family and friends.

Terrance enjoyed many activities throughout his life. He was a proud veteran and loved to participate in the flag raisings or retiring of the flags at the pow-wows. He also enjoyed the rodeos, and encouraged his oldest son to be active in those events. Terrance was very active in the Bear Creek Community for many years and had a hand in organizing bingo, movie nights, pow-wows and social gatherings during the holidays. He beaded Indian costumes, hair ties and belts. He loved the movies and the goodies that went along with it! He enjoyed taking his kids as they grew up. He also loved horses and working with them, and he even raced in the local powwows. He was an avid hunter, trapper and fisherman. Terrance got his once in a lifetime trophy buck; which is proudly preserved with Ash Creek Taxidermy by Raymond Birkland.

Terrance loved his family and friends very much and had a special relationship with each one of them. He will be remembered as being very humorous and able to cheer anyone up when they needed it. He will be missed enormously. He can be described this way by his family…..our protector, best friend, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, brother, father, cousin, grandson, and uncle. He will forever be in our hearts as this good man is at peace and with our creator.

Terrance is survived by Darlene A. Bagola of Eagle Butte, his children; Terri Red Bear and Brent Belt of Bridger, Shawn and Joy Red Bear of Eagle Butte, Sheldon Red Bear of Bear Creek, Tristan and Susan Red Bear of Bear Creek, and Deedra and Billy High Bear of Eagle Butte; 15 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; siblings: June Red Bear of Vermillion, Cheryl Red Bear of Eagle Butte, Joann Red Bear of Rapid City, Gloria and Scott Laundreaux of Eagle Butte, Emanuel and Stephanie Red Bear Sr. of Eagle Butte, Cindy and Sylvester “JR” Schad of Eagle Butte; many nieces, nephews and their families; aunts: Maggie Montreal, Wilma Traversie, Flora High Bear, and Rose Red Bear Mitchell; uncles: Joseph Eagle Boy and Kermit Garter; and many more family members too numerous to mention. We apologize if we inadvertently left anyone out.

Terrance is proceeded in death by his mother, Lillian Irene Red Bear; father, Manuel Joseph Red Bear; maternal grandparents, Moses and Amy Garter;paternal grandparents, Henry and Louise Red Bear; nephew, Tommy Smith; and brother, Jack Bryan Red Bear, Sr.

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