Marvin Allen Goings, known by his Lakota name “Cante Waste Wicasa” (“Good Hearted Man”), entered eternal rest on May 20, 2026, surrounded by the love, prayers, and memories of the many lives he touched. Marvin was a devoted Lakota man, horseman, veteran, protector, mentor, advocate, and family man whose life was deeply rooted in service to his people, culture, and community. He lived with strength, compassion, humility, and purpose, always answering the call whenever he was needed. His legacy will continue for generations.
Marvin was born on December 14, 1954. He attended the Shannon County Independent School District through eighth grade and later attended Holy Rosary Mission School. Determined to continue his education, Marvin earned his GED through the State of South Dakota Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, Department of Education and Cultural Affairs in Pierre, South Dakota, on March 8, 1976. He later attended Chadron State College before proudly enlisting in the United States Army, where he served his country honorably. During his military service, he received the National Defense Service Medal and Marksman M-16 decoration.
In recognition of his lifelong dedication to leadership, Lakota culture, and community service, Marvin received an Honorary Degree in Lakota Leadership from Oglala Lakota College on June 19, 2004.
Marvin was also active in advocacy work and grassroots organizing. From the mid-2010s through late 2019, he served with the Dakota AIM (American Indian Movement) Grassroots Chapter alongside fellow veteran Guy Dull Knife Jr. Marvin remained steadfast in protecting Lakota people, treaty rights, traditional values, and supporting grassroots efforts for Native communities and as an avid book reader, he loved reading.
Throughout his life, Marvin participated in countless horseback rides and cultural journeys that honored Lakota traditions, healing, veterans, sobriety, and unity among Native nations. Among the many rides he took part in were the Labor Day Weekend Ridge Ride for Pops, Mother’s Day Ride, Crazy Horse Ride, Montana Little Big Horn Ride, Sobriety Ride, Warrior’s Ride, Veteran’s Monument Ride at Crazy Horse Memorial, Dakota 38 Ride in Mankato, Dakota Access Ride, Ride Against Line 3 in Wisconsin, Standing Rock Ride in Cannon Ball as a water protector, the Big Foot Ride, and many rides across the Pine Ridge Reservation. He also participated in the 100-mile race across the reservation and faithfully escorted wake and funeral processions whenever riders were called upon.
Marvin dedicated much of his life to helping youth through horsemanship and horse therapy. He welcomed young people into the Horse Nation, teaching riding skills, responsibility, cultural values, and healing through their connection with horses. He generously provided his own horses, trailers, tack, feed, and supplies so that youth and community members could participate in rides and ceremonies. Those who knew him often said his horse was always the first ready, and he never had to saddle his horse twice. He was also active in Indian Relay races, war and pony races, poker rides, memorial rides, and horse races throughout Porcupine, Allen, Seven Mile, Moccasin Park, Kiza Park, Crazy Horse Park, Batesland Fourth of July races, Busby Days in Montana, the Omaka Future Generations Ride formerly known as the Big Foot Ride, and the Casper Championship Horse Race. Marvin was always ready to ride whenever called upon.
In addition to riding, Marvin was an accomplished runner and community organizer. He was a co-founder and committee member of the Sacred Hoop 500 Mile Run in 1983. He participated in triathlons, the Fourth of July Triathlon, Northern Cheyenne Breakout Run, Little Big Horn Run from Lame Deer to Crow, Montana, Mako Sica Tiyospaye Run/Walk/Bike at Rockyford Ranger Station, and the Kylee Head Memorial Walk/Run honoring his granddaughter.
Marvin faithfully served his community through many positions of employment, including OST Security, OST Ambulance Service, OST Transit, Pine Ridge Agency B & U Shop,worked with his brother in law Dennis Brewer BIA Facilities Management-during this time Marvin went to Albuquerque,NM to get HVAC certified to work on boilers in the 1990’s. Red Cloud School Bus Driver, and Wolf Creek School Bus Driver. He also assisted with Search and Recovery efforts alongside OST Emergency Management, delivered food to community members during blizzards, and supported the OST Emergency Youth Shelter.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Loris Goings; his parents, Victoria Emily Frazier and Cecil Robert Goings Sr.; sons Marvin Jr. and Henry; sister Dorthea Goings; brothers Cecil Robert Goings Jr., Franklin D. Goings, and Trail Boss Mark Goings; grandsons Allen Lee Goings-Cottier, Dorian Clifford, and Zander Zephier; granddaughters Kylee Head and Taylor Harris Clifford; great-grandchildren Markum Tibbitts-Temple and Jessica Elk; nephews Myron Goings, Robert Goings, Kenneth Goings, Marshal Wayne Goings, Thomas Goings, Mikey Joe Bissonette, and Sydney Willow; niece Lisa Marie; and his beloved companions Eddie, Igmu, Smokey, Tinkerbell, Coco, Paco, and his horse Traveler.
Marvin leaves behind to cherish his memory his daughters, Carrie Benson, Chloe Goings (Donald Cottier), Chloeah Goings, and Julie Goings (Donovan Youngman); Hunka Daughters, Rosie Beane and Tanya Janis; Sons, Curtis Benson, Marty Goings, Tre Goings, and Lorrel Goings; Hunka Sons, Kevin St. John, Thomas Wagner and John Welch; Grandchildren, Cecelia Kelly, Amanda Navaeh Cottier, McKenzie Don Cottier, Rhiannon Rose Cottier, Josie Marie Goings, Glenn Brewer, Beverly Brewer, Stevee Brewer, Hailey & Anthony Rowland, Alexis Ghost Bear, Curt Kelly, Nicole Benson, Karlee Goings, and Mykah & Maximus Goings; Great-grandchildren, Stella Rowland, Leona Big Crow, Surayah Goings, Aurora Goings, and many other beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom he loved deeply; He is also survived by his Sisters Bonnie & Nelson White, Doris Goings, Linda Bad Wound, Julia S. Goings, and Bette Goings; sisters/cousins, Marlys & LeAnn Rabbit; Brothers, Terry Goings Sr., Janice Goings, Vern Roubideaux, Ted Ebert, Benedict Good Buffalo, Doug Bissonette, Ben Smith, Jeremiah Young Bull Bear, and Pete Pipe.
Pallbearers will be Ted Ebert, Benedict Good Buffalo, Stan Brewer Jr., Jeremiah Young Bull Bear, Donald Clifford Jr., Norman Two Bulls, Vern Roubideaux, Lorrell Goings, Tre Goings, Kobe Cottier, Tanklin Goings, Caine Ghost Bear, Brad Goings, Brandon Goings, Curtis Kelly, Maxymus Goings, Glenn Brewer, Steve White Jr., Clayton Clifford, John Welch, and William Jumping Eagle Jr., Corey Head.
Honorary Pallbearers include all family and friends; Horse Nation riders, Oglala Lakota County School staff and bus drivers, John and Gail Ertel, Linda Muse, Jody Brewer & Family, Connie and Reuben Quin; (Quin ranch hand) Dan, Ann Cornover, Shara Wilky, Dennis Brewer, Crazy Horse Memorial, Oceti Sakowin Veterans, all Oglala Lakota Veterans, OST Emergency Management, IHS Pine Ridge Service Unit Acute Care, Monument Cancer Care Institute, Veterans Affairs Hospital in Hot Springs, Mother Michelle, Howard Little Hawk, Judy West, Horse Nations Indian Relay Council (HNIRC), O.S.T. Partnership for Housing, OST Fifth Member Trina Lone Hill, O.S.T. Child Care & Development, All Sacred Hoop 500 mile runners and many others whose lives were touched by Marvin’s kindness and dedication. The family kindly requests your understanding that we unintentionally left anyone out, it was not intentional. We apologize for this and appreciate your support during this difficult time.
Marvin also came from a proud family of veterans, including Terry T. Goings Sr. (U.S. Army), Franklin Dale Goings (USMC, deceased), Kenneth L. Goings (USMC, deceased), Lynette Clifford (U.S. Army), Donald Lee Clifford Sr. (USMC), Donald Clifford Jr. (USMC), Steven White Jr. (USMC), Charlie Campos (U.S. Army), David Goings Sr. (U.S. Army), David Goings Jr (USMC) Antoine Red Hawk (U.S. Navy), Dennis Brewer (U.S. Army), Walt Hernandez (U.S. Army), Darrell Brown Bull Sr., and David Rabbit (USMC, deceased), Lyle Chasing Hawk (U.S. Army)
An escort procession from Sioux Funeral Home led by family and friends, will take Marvin to his residence in #50 Pejuta Sapa Road, Slim Buttes, South Dakota, on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Sacred Hoop 500 Mile Runners, All Horse riders, Oglala Lakota County buses, and family and friends will follow him from the “T” intersection below his home.
Funeral services will be held Friday, May 29, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m., with full veteran honors.
Marvin Allen Goings, Cante Waste Wicasa, will forever be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his people, his love for horses, his generosity, his guidance to youth, and the humble strength with which he carried Lakota values throughout his life. His spirit rides on through the many lives he touched, the trails he traveled, the youth he mentored, and the family and community he loved so deeply.
Wake Services: One night wake service starting at 1:00 PM, Thursday, May 28, 2026 at the Marvin Goings Residence (50 Pejuta Sapa Road), Slim Buttes, South Dakota. With evening services starting at 7:00 PM and Military Roll Call to follow.
Funeral Services: 11:00 AM, Friday, May 29, 2026 at the Marvin Goings Residence in Slim Buttes, South Dakota
Officiating: Mother Michelle Dayton
Traditional Lakota Services: Benedict Good Buffalo
Burial Services: Goings Family Cemetery, 50 Pejuta Sapa Road, Slim Buttes, South Dakota
Arrangements entrusted with the Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD