Manuel Jay Mesteth was born on October 5, 1952 in Pine Ridge, SD to Alberta (Little Whiteman) Mesteth and Daniel Mesteth. Manuel made his journey to the Spirit World on June 8, 2026 at the Monument Health Home Hospice in Rapid City, SD.
Manuel attended Little Wound school and Holy Rosary Mission. He graduated from High School at Holy Rosary Mission. He played basketball for Holy Rosary Mission and started a band in high school called Jessica. After graduating, he attended the Upward Bound Program in Chadron. He went on to Mount Marty College. He graduated with a Degree in Lakota Studies from Oglala Lakota College. After returning home, he and his friends started a Band named THC. They eventually changed the band name to Golden Warrior. They played all over Colorado, South Dakota, Nebraska, and North Dakota.
He worked for Wolf Creek and Little Wound Schools, He was a bus driver for the Early Headstart program when he retired a few years ago.
Manuel had a passion for music and loved playing his guitar. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He had many stories of all the years he spent hanging out with all the people he met. In early 2025 he was diagnosed with Cancer. He fought hard to live his life on his own terms, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and courage. “AH ROO Manuel!”.
Manuel is survived by his sisters, Linda Mesteth, Weldine Mesteth, Marlene Mesteth, and Tracy Mesteth; brothers, Rodney (Carmelita) Mesteth, Kevin Shot With Arrow, Malcolm Shot With Arrow, and Cleveland (Velnita) Shot With Arrow; daughters, Mary “Punkin” Pierce, Janelle Janis, and Erica Buckman; Hunka son, Gabriel Has No Horse; aunts, Lavina Red Owl, Ethel Kills Straight, Evelyn Gregg, Lynette Murray, Ruth Gray Horse, and Denise Spoonhunter; uncles, Ernest (Pearl) Little Whiteman, Gilbert “Dempsie” (Denise) Mesteth, and Phillip (Lucy) Mesteth; and All Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews.
Manuel was preceded in death by his mother, Alberta (Little Whiteman) Mesteth; father, Daniel Mesteth; brothers, Milton “Jimmy” Mesteth, Marty Mesteth, and Baby Boy Mesteth; sister, Imogene Mesteth; maternal grandparents, Louis & Emily “Betty” Little Whiteman; paternal grandparents, Gabriel “Gilbert” Mesteth, Sr. and Sara Red Horn; uncles, Bernard, Willard, Aloysious, Stanley, Everette, Emmett Little Whiteman, Gabriel, Wilmer, Orlin Mesteth, Birgil Kills Straight, and Laben Red Owl; aunts, Mary Ann Witt and Theresa Mesteth; nephews, Alton Mesteth and Lucas Shot With Arrow; niece, Gail Shot With Arrow; grandson, Tyrell Wilson; and special friend, Elizabeth “Betty” Has No Horse.
Pallbearers will be Travis Mesteth, Wyatt Mesteth, Steven Wilson, Jr., Bill Loafer, Jayden Barreras, and Marty Mesteth, Jr.
Honorary pallbearers will be Mona Janis, Tony & Misty Brave, George O’Rourke, Mike White, Tom & Michelle Allen, Walt Hernandez & Family, Duane Janis & Janice Richards, Narcisse Heart & Family, Stanley Little Whiteman & Family, George and Carla McBride & Family, Rick Emery, Bill Clifford, Steve Standing Soldier & Family, John Red Feather, Darlene McBride & Greg Towry, Harold Red Owl, Desmond Richards, Terry & Lynette Little Whiteman, Perry Zephier & Family, Leo Bald Eagle, Ron Ferguson, Gary Ferguson, Cory Ferguson & Family, Sam & Stephanie Apple, Taylor & Donita Little Whiteman, Dorothy Tobacco, Donna Red Ear Horse, Emma Gallego, Terry Goings, Bill Shangreau & Family, Garfield Apple, Dawn Frank, Jack Janis, Leon Poor Bear, Reggie Poor Bear, Tony Tibbits, Beau Little Whiteman, All Band Members Manuel played with Oglala Lakota College Early Headstart Staff, All the Students Manuel had the pleasure of driving, Monument Health Hospice House, and All Friends and Relatives.
Sorry if we forgot anyone, it wasn’t intentional. Manuel had so many family and friends throughout his life. He treasured and had great memories with everyone he knew.
Wake Services: One night wake starting at 12:00 PM, Monday, June 22, 2026 at the Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Hall in Kyle, South Dakota.
Funeral Services: 10:00 AM, Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at the Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Hall in Kyle, South Dakota.
Officiating: TBA
Traditional Lakota Services: TBA
Burial Services: Little Whiteman Family Plot, No Flesh, South Dakota.
Arrangements entrusted with the Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD