Ben Tyon Sr

Funeral services for 87-year old Ben Tyon Sr are Friday, Dec 3, 2021 at 10:00 at the Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Pine Ridge, SD, with Bishop Jonathan H. Folts, The Rev. Robert G. Two Bulls, and Reverend Deacon Twilla Two Bulls officiating.

Graveside services will follow at 2:00 at the Advent Chapel Cemetery

Visitation precedes the funeral from 9-10:00, also at Holy Cross Episcopal. 

There will be a celebration of life meal for family and friends at the Mormon Church in Slim Buttes, SD, following the services.

Benjamin R. Tyon, Sr., AKA “Maste,” meaning Sunrise, was born on July 8, 1934 to George & Sarah (Little Bear) Tyon in Pine Ridge, SD. Ben made his journey on November 29, 2021 at Pine Ridge Indian Health Hospital.

Ben graduated from Pine Ridge High School in 1953, Chadron State College in 1957, and Black Hills State College in 1976 with a Master’s in Education. Ben began his teaching career in Morrill, NE, in 1958 and also taught in Flandreau, SD, Kyle, SD, and Pine Ridge Public School before returning to Pine Ridge High School as the Woodshop teacher. 

In 1978 he started a new career as principal of Pine Ridge Schools, a position he held until he retired in 1986. 

Ben was also the athletic director and coached high school boys’ basketball while teaching. He was also involved in Little League Baseball and served as the president.

After he retired from teaching, Ben went on to become the Episcopal Minister of Holy Cross in Pine Ridge after attending Seminary in Evanston, Ill. He continued in the ministry until he retired in 2005. 

Ben couldn’t stay retired and returned to Pine Ridge High School in 2006, first as a substitute teacher and then as the Woodshop teacher. He retired for a final in 2015m byt remained a dedicated Thorpe fan and supporter.

Ben enjoyed all of his grandchildren and was very proud of their accomplishments. He was an avid walker and participated in many walks in the community. While working with the church, he hosted the Lakota and Dakota Youth Groups from the eastern states.

Ben is survived by his wife, Clementine of 64 ½ years; daughters, Georgine (Mitch) Pourier, Lynnell Eagle Bull, Dorothy Tyon, Monica Tyon and Tricia Tyon-Brewer, all of Pine Ridge, SD; sons, Ben Tyon, Jr. and Rodney (Rob) Tyon, both of Pine Ridge, SD; brother, Louis (Catherine) Tyon, Sr.; cousin, Basil Brave Heart, grandchildren, Ben Pourier, King Tyon, Jeanne (James) Eagle Bull-Oxendine, Autumn Eagle Bull, Larry (Randee) Eagle Bull, Josey (Krystal) Eagle Bull, Nikita “Nikki” Valdez, and Charles “Chuck” Tyon; great grandchildren, Jameson, Jacob, Jada, Jace Maste Eagle Bull-Oxendine, Montel, Sr., Rayhan, & Tobijean Carlow, Petra Eagle Bull, Gemini White Plume, Gabriella Zimiga, Aaliyah & Sophia Eagle Bull, Chevy Cruz & Beyonne “Bea” Valdez, Leyna Jaslene Bettelyoun, Bella Love Tyon, Tate White Face, and Haden, Dayton, Ashton Louise, & Sylvia Rose Eagle Bull ; and great-great grandson, Montel Ray Carlow, Jr.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents, George and Sarah Tyon; brothers, Gene Tyon, Sr., James Tyon, Owen Tyon; two unborn sisters; daughter, Bayonne “Bea” Tyon; granddaughter, Michelle Pourier; grandsons, Toby Eagle Bull and Tevin Tyon; special aunt, Dorothy Blo Yankton, and son-in-law, Larry Eagle Bull.

Pallbearers will be Ben Pourier, Larry Eagle Bull, King Tyon, Jake Eagle Bull-Oxendine, Rayhan Carlow, Montel Carlow, Josey Eagle Bull, Jesse Tyon, Delaney Tyon, Joe Tyon, Charlie Standing Bear, and Charlie Tyon.

Honorary pallbearers will be Pine Ridge Hospital Doctors and Nurses, Special Nurse: Tish Piper, and All Friends & Relatives.

Arrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD