Memorial services for 49-year old Laban Red Owl are Monday, May 8, 2023 at noon at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church Hall in Kyle, SD, with the Rev Cordelia Red Owl and Lay Ministers Mona Vocu and Anne Montileaux officiating.
Burial follows at 2:00 at the Lakota Freedom Veterans Cemetery near Kyle, SD.
A one-night wake service starts Sunday, May 7, at 1:00 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church Hall in Kyle.
Laban Levi Red Owl “Wakinyan Luta” was born on April 1, 1974 in Gordon, NE to Lavina (Little Whiteman) Red Owl and Arthur L Red Owl. Laban made his journey to the Spirit World on May 1, 2023 at the Hot Springs VA Medical Center in Hot Springs, SD.
Laban graduated high school from Little Wound High School in Kyle with the Class of 1992. He was a very friendly and outgoing person. During his high school career, he participated in many school programs and was fortunate to be able to travel to France one year. Laban was also inducted into the Honor Society.
After graduating high school, Laban joined the United States Marine Corps and was assigned to train in a few different locations. He toured Iraq three times with the Native American Environmental Program and was honorably discharged as a Corporal.
After his military service, Laban worked a lot of odd jobs – one being a taxi driver, as well as with the Oglala Sioux Tribe Ambulance Service and the Native American Environmental Program. He moved to North Dakota for a while and went to the United Tribes Technical College. Although he felt ill at times, he always kept himself busy.
He was truly cared for by the Hospice Care Unit. Wopila to all who went to say their “Goodbyes” to him. Now he will rest in peace forever.
Laban’s family would like to thank all of the men and women who have served and are currently serving in the armed forces. And thank you to the Sioux Funeral Home Staff.
Laban is survived by his mother Lavina (Little Whiteman) Red Owl; children Miley, Levi Charles, Elijah Laban, Isaiah and Shania; granddaughter Malisia; brothers Harold and Arthur Red Owl; sisters Darla, Sheryl and Diane Red Owl; godmother Patricia (Jay) Cramer; godfather Wilbur Witt; Hunka father Arlo Provost; uncles Ernest (Pearl) Little Whiteman and Robert (Phinette) Red Owl; aunts Rev Cordelia Red Owl, Evelyn Gregg and Ethel Mae Kills Straight; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Laban was preceded in death by his father Arthur Laban Red Owl; daughter Katelyn Emily Red Owl; godfather Stanley Little Whiteman; hunka father Birgil Kills Straight; aunts Alberta Mesteth, Mom Bee, Rachel, Pearl, Vera, Hazel and Dorothy Red Owl; uncles Aloysius, Bernard, Willard, Stanley, Everett and Emmett Little Whiteman; grandparents Sadie Whirlwind Horse-Red Owl, Betty Emily Morrison-Little Whiteman, Levi Red Owl and Louie Little Whiteman; kolas Christopher Janis, Marlon Featherman and many others.
Pallbearers will be Darrol Little Whiteman, Sean Swallow, Bryan Hopkins, Nathan Red Owl, Arthur C Red Owl, Garrick Stands, Mark Apple, Sierra Morrison, Destiny Mesteth-Loafer, Lesa Little Horn, Malcolm Shot With Arrow and Thomas Janis.
Honorary pallbearers Hot Springs CIC Unit, Hot Springs VA Medical Center, Native American Environmental Bombing Range, LaLa & Wilbur Witt, Arlo Provost, Juanita Scherich, Roy Crawford, Bernadine Tallman, Emma (Featherman) Sam, Cleveland Shot With Arrow, Edwin Fire Thunder, all who knew and loved Laban and All Friends & Relatives.
Arrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD
Semper Fi Marine