Funeral services for 69-year old Joseph Prue Jr are Thurs, Oct 27, 2022 at noon CT at Jones Hall in Mission, SD, with traditional Lakota services by Mr Pat Bad Hand Sr.
Burial is at the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Veterans Cemetery – Sicangu Akicita Owicahe in White River, SD
A two-night wake service starts Tues, Oct 25 with a 9:00 am funeral procession from Sioux Funeral in Pine Ridge to Jones Hall in Mission where the wake service begins at noon CT. There will be a Military Roll Call Wednesday evening at 9:00 CT.
Joseph Cephus Prue Jr was born May 25, 1953 to Joseph Cephus Prue Sr. and Marcella (Swalley) Prue in Pine Ridge, SD. On Thursday, October 20th, 2022, the Man, the Myth, the Legend, the Big Dog, Joseph Cephus Prue, Jr., age 69, left this world to start his journey to his ancestors, surrounded by family and loved ones after a strong battle.
Joe graduated from Todd County High School, married Pearl Stone, entered the Army, and was assigned as military police at his first duty station in Italy, then transferred to Ft. Bragg, NC.
Later, he married Cheryl Whirlwind Soldier and made his home on the Rosebud Reservation, where he was an X-ray technician for Indian Health Services for many years.
After retiring, he married Dorothy Fire Cloud and lived in Arizona for a few years. Joe eventually returned to Rosebud, where he remained until his passing – golfing, fishing, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying every bit of the life he was given.
Joe will be remembered by most people for his great athletic ability, notably in golf. He was a champion golfer, even causing other players to drop out when they learned he was in a tournament. He traveled all over for golf, winning and breaking records, showing the world what a Lakota Warrior could do.
He loved sports and games and excelled at them all; he especially liked to hustle people when they did not know who he was.
Joe was a generous and social man. He had a smile and a joke for everyone and was never a stranger no matter where he went.
He leaves behind his children George Clifford Rogers, Joseph Prue, III (Billie), Deanna (Shawn) Prue Shoup, Michael Prue (Stacee), Mindy Waln (Jay), Shawndai Standing Cloud (Curtis) and Cassie Prue (Matt). Also missing him terribly will be his brothers Leonard “Sarge” Red Hair, Alex “Red” Prue (Cheryl), Danny Prue, Sr., Samuel Prue and his sister Kathy Prue-Owens (Doug).
He will be missed by his many grandchildren, nephews and nieces, extended family, friends from around the world and even his competitors, who usually became his friends.
Joe was preceded in death by both of his parents,Joseph C. Prue, Sr. and Marcella (Swalley) Prue; son Alex; brothers Freddie, Mike and Kenny; and sisters Faye and Mona Lisa.
Pallbearers will be Rich Patton, Greg Grey Cloud, Tanner Colombe, DJ Prue, Casey Valandra, Jay Waln, Corey Jenson, Eric Moore, Mike Swallow and Jim Colombe.
Honorary pallbearers will be Antelope Striders, Eagle 2000, Beaver Richards, Jesse Mendoza, Bo Swalley, Larry Swalley, Floyd “Spudman” Larson, Rich Crow Eagle, Tony Clairmont, JC Wright, Mark Rogers, Pat Bad Hand, Sr., Jim Leader Charge, Jim Wike, and All Friends & Relatives.
“Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.”
Arrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD