Funeral services for 28-year old Charles “Chucky” White Eagle are Monday, May 6, 2024 at 10:00 at the Bingo Hall in Eagle Butte, SD, with Minister Jonathan Old Horse officiating, traditional Lakota services by Michael Cross, and Wanbli Ska as the drum group.
A two-night wake service start at 7:00 PM, Sat, May 4, at 7:00 at the Woyatan Lutheran Church in Rapid City, SD with Sunday morning services at 10:00. The second night wake starts Sunday at 7:00 at the Bingo Hall in Eagle Butte, SD
Burial is at the Morgan Ranch in Eagle Butte, SD
Online condolences may be left at Siouxfuneralhome.com
Charles “Chucky” White Eagle, enrolled member of Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, was born on October 7, 1995 in Rapid City, SD, the beloved son of Daron White Eagle and Michelle Swan, both of Rapid City, SD. Charles peacefully made his journey to the spirit world on April 29, 2024 at his home in Rapid City, SD.
Chucky fought to live his whole life. He was born very premature and barely made it into this world. His drive to thrive is probably what made him such a powerful human being.
Chucky really did embody the strength of the great buffalo, in a storm, with any challenge, he would face it head on with determination and perseverance.
Chucky grew up in Rapid City spending his formative years surrounded by the love and support of his family. Together with his brothers, he attended the Club for Boys, an institution that played a crucial role in shaping Charles into the loving, kind, and helpful man he became.
In his youth, Chucky loved swimming, and was frequently mistaken for one of the staff at the local swimming pools because he was there everyday!
What will be remembered the most is his quick wit and endless humor. He was quick to comfort, and almost always had a smile! His smile was the biggest out of all the brothers. Some of this may be attributed to the fact that Chucky was the baby – he truly was the baby of the family.
From a young age, Charles developed a deep connection to his heritage, traditions, culture, and spirituality. He wholeheartedly embraced his Lakota roots, actively participating in ceremonies, and pow wows.
His commitment to the people included joining his Dakota Grassroots AIM family on the front lines For The People, running to Washington DC for Leonard Peltier, out on the streets looking out for our relatives, and volunteering his time at the Good Medicine Lodge. Wherever he was, people liked being around him.
As a Sundancer, with the guidance of his brothers and community, he found solace and strength in the drum, and ceremonies. A memory many family members have is at night during Sundance you could hear Chucky playing the flute for hours, it was mystical and would carry you away to the stars.
He was always full of surprises. When he was 18, his mom came home to find Chucky being baptized by the Jehovah Witness in the front yard!
As a Lakota, he also had a deep connection to our sacred relatives in the east, he could fold origami like nobody’s biz!
He loved to draw and was a wonderful artist, actually, he was great at anything he put his mind to. Although he was young, he had perfected the craft of storytelling, he had all types of stories, sad, scary, and funny. He was our entertainer, and his greatest joy was bringing a smile to the folks he loved.
When his daughter Ruby was born, Chucky’s world transformed. He took immense pride in his role as a father and dedicated himself to being the best dad he could be. His love for his daughter, mother, brothers, girlfriend, and family knew no bounds. Charles cherished the moments spent with his loved ones and valued the importance of family bonds.
He is survived by his daughter, Ruby Rae Ryder; mother, Michelle Swan; grandmothers, Rosalind Brown and Eleanor Miner; brothers, Chris, Clay, Cyril, Casey, and Frankie; his significant other, Tarren (Little Diddler) Red Owl; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father Daron White Eagle.
Chucky leaves behind a powerful legacy of love, compassion, and a deep connection to his Native roots. His spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
As we mourn his passing, let us remember the joy, laughter, and kindness he brought into our lives and carry his memory forward with love and gratitude.
May Charles “Chucky” White Eagle rest in peace, knowing he made a lasting impact on the lives of those around him. He will be forever missed. Rest in Power my boy.
Pallbearers will be Trevor Swan, Loren Ladeaux, Daniel Keeble, Francisco Bordier, Moe Broken Nose, and All Dakota Grassroots AIM Warriors.
Arrangements entrusted with the Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD