Funeral services for 57-year old Bernard “Ben” Red Bear are Thurs, Sept 22, 2022 at 2:00 at the Albert Red Bear Residence in Yellow Bear-Allen, SD, with Chief Tomas Lopez and Native American Church Spiritual Leader Paul Never Misses A Shot officiating.
Burial is at the Native American Church Cemetery, Allen, SD
A two-night wake service starts Tues, Sept 20, at 1:00 with a Native American Church Ceremony Wed evening, Sept 21, both at the Albert Red Bear residence in Yellow Bear-Allen.
Bernard “Ben” Manuel Red Bear “Wanbli Wiyaka Un Oyate Ki Wachinyanpi” was born on July 11, 1965 in Rosebud, SD to Christine Crow Dog-Red Bear and Albert Red Bear Sr. Ben was called home on September 9, 2022 in Rapid City.
Ben grew up and went to school in Scottsbluff, NE, until 1977 when the family moved home to Allen, SD. Ben graduated 8th grade at American Horse School and started at Little Wound High School.
He later received his GED in Omak, WA, where he resided for several years with his friend Lori. Ben held several jobs there; such as a fisherman, fire fighter, park ranger, and heavy equipment operator.
Ben also worked in Indiana for a short time, but after sustaining an injury at work, he moved home to Allen with his family. Ben had recently moved to Rapid City.
Ben is survived by his son Alex Lewis of Indianapolis, IN; sisters Bernadine Red Bear and Wilma Red Bear, both of Rapid City, SDl Rachel Red Bear of Allen, SD; Gloria Red Bear of Mexicali, Mexico; and Sharon Red Bear-Fool Bull of Rosebud, SD; brothers Albert Red Bear Jr of Allen, SD; Kenneth J Red Bear of Indianapolis, IN; and Cleophas Red Bear of Spokane, WA; nieces Mary Jo, Nicole, Nodwesi, Monique, Heather, Bobbie, Amber, Ohinniya, Felicia, Lucy, and Jillian; and nephews Chris, Quanah, Nathaniel, Nigel, Willard Jr, Heath, Quentin, David, Trevor, Chris, Layne, Aaron, and Natchee.
Ben was preceded in death by his parents Christine Crow Dog-Red Bear and Albert Red Bear Sr; grandparents Jessie Slow Dog-Red Bear, Solomon Red Bear Sr, Henry Crow Dog, and Mary Left Hand Bull-Crow Dog; brothers Kenneth & William “Bill” Red Bear; nieces Arrow Red Bear and Christine Fool Bull; nephew Travis White Bear Claws; grandsons Sam Yellow Hawk and John John Matheson Red Bear; and granddaughters Wiconi Little Thunder and Mato Luta Win.
Pallbearers will be Cleophas Red Bear, Bill Horse Looking, Heath Fool Bull, Willard Fool Bull Jr, Warren Gus Yellow Hair, Trevor Red Bear, Ruben Trejo, and Nate Big Fire-Red Bear.
Honorary pallbearers will be all of Ben’s Nomadic Free Spirited Relatives of Rapid City, and All Friends & Relatives.
Arrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD