Funeral services for 74-year old Luke “Eugene” White Stone are Friday, Sept 29, 2023 at 2:00 at Brother Rene Hall in Oglala, SD, with all Prayer Leaders welcome to serve as officiants.
Cremation will follow the services with burial at a later date.
Visitation precedes the funeral Friday, Sept 29, from 10:00-2:00 at Brother Rene Hall in Oglala SD
Online condolences may be left at siouxfuneralhome.com
Luke Eugene (Lone Elk) White Stone “Wanbli Hoksila” was born during the ‘49 Blizzard on January 21st, north of Oglala in the Lone Elk homestead to James A Lone Elk Sr and Mae Bear Saves Life. He passed on September 19, 2023
Known as Eugene to many of his close family members and friends, he attended grade school at Loneman school. He enlisted into the Army at an early age, with the help of his father, and served two tours in the Vietnam War as a door gunner.
Many years after returning from the war, he received his medals, including a Bronze Star.
On one of his R&R trips back to the States, Luke returned to Oglala and met Marie. They were in love for many years before they got married on St Patrick’s Day in 1984 in the old LDS church in Oglala. They had one and only daughter Summer.
Luke worked at the Indian Health Service as a housekeeper for many years before retiring. He also worked various jobs in the Oglala District.
He loved fishing and hunting, and was an avid hand radio operator with a callsign of “Sioux Boy.” Luke loved reading – his favorites were National Geographic and military history magazines.
He loved listening to music from the 60’s and old country. He was also a carpenter and loved building things. Luke was always willing to help anyone who needed it.
After retirement, his focus was on his granddaughters and learning of their adventures through the stories they told him.
His favorite greeting was “Hey gang!” and at night he would always say, “Goodnight, 5 o’clock comes early.” He woke up the sun.
Luke is survived by his daughter Summer (Eric); hunka daughters Barb Linehan and Chiemi Not Help Him; his only grandson Wasu; his three granddaughters Opeia, Skeeter, and Roux; his brothers-in-law Dewey (Diane), Jeff (Sheri), Wayne, and Patrick; his sister-in-law Jonelle; his cousin Ken (Noreen); his nieces Sally, Peggy, and Merlinda; numerous other nieces, nephews, and grandchildren; his casino friends Wanda Garnier, Vanessa Red Cloud, Guy Red Cloud, and Jolene and husband; and finally his “hunka wives” Vina, Arde, Martyna, and Blossom.
The family that awaits Luke on the other side includes his parents James and Mae; his brothers Antione, Elmer, Verdell, Inyan, Peter, and Marty; his sisters Babe Blue and Fanny; his beloved wife of many years Marie; his in-laws Jonas and Celane; his brother-in-law Clair; his sister-in-law Joyce; and also Junior, Wade, Charlotte, Loretta, OC, Darlene, Misun, Belva, Norma, and many others he missed and loved.
What a legacy, what a life. Keep Luke alive in your hearts. His light and guidance in this world will be greatly missed.
Pallbearers will be Dustin Zimiga, Clayton Apple, Robert Stover, Sr., Willie Richards, Siaosi Halaufia and Wayne Not Help Him.
Honorary pallbearers will be All Friends & Relatives.
Arrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD