Melvin Donald White Bull was born on September 14, 1934 in Wanblee, SD to Isaac White Bull and Avena Chipps. Melvin made his journey to the Spirit World on October 15, 2024 at the Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City, SD.
Melvin served in the military from December 30, 1951 to December 10, 1955 and was honorably discharged and received the National Defense Medal. Melvin relocated to California through the BIA Relocation Program. In the early 1960’s to 1970 Melvin worked at Wanblee Day School as a cook and worked as a correctional officer at Pine Ridge Jail. Melvin had 36 years of dedicated service to students and families of the Pine Ridge School. On June 22, 2002, Choppa earned an Honorary Degree in Lakota Leadership from the Oglala Lakota College. Melvin retired from the Bureau of Indian Affairs Pine Ridge School at the age of 83 in 2017.
Choppa grew up on horses, at a young age Johnny Red Kettle and Choppa rode for uncle Richard Moves Camp horse races and won many races during the 1940’s. Choppa spent most of his life around Lakota Ceremonies, he was taught the importance of the ceremony protocol and detailed instructions how to live the Lakota Tradition. He was told he will live to be a very old age. He has left many great memories behind, now he is home with his family. He loved to travel to powwows and to just travel, namely with his grandson, Lawrence. He held a special place in his heart for the scenery of the Rocky Mountains and the state of New Mexico.
Melvin is survived by his special friend, Freda White Bull; children, Alvina, Melvin, Jr., Doreen, and Lisa White Bull; sisters, Sylvia Brown, Mae White Bull, Sandra Brown, Rose Standing Bear, and Mabel Red Kettle; grandsons, Lawrence M. Vigil, Sr., Jeremy Ladd, Ferris White Bull, Sr., and Bo Morrison, Jr.; great grandsons, Ferris White Bull III, Durant White Bull, Jeremiah Yellow Hair, Anthony Yellow Hair, Ladanian Lessert, Bo Morrison, Lawrence Vigil, Jr., and Royce Ladd; granddaughter, Anna White Bull, Jeannie Lone Hill, Amanda Standing Bear, and Zaniya White Bull; great granddaughters, Joanna Yellow Hair, Avena White Bull, Amilliana Morrison, Lynelle Morrison, Wanda and Nova White Bull, Laticia & Neena Vigil, Ryen Ladd, and Remy Ladd; and great-great granddaughter, Athena White Eagle.
Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac & Martha White Bull; sons, Keith and Ferris White Bull; granddaughters, Marsha White Bull and Michelle Vigil; grandson, Matthew Vigil; brothers, Isaac White Bull, Jr., George R. (JoJo) White Bull, and Boyd White Bull; sisters, Isabelle Brown and Faye Lemay; numerous red kettle brothers & sisters; relatives, Ruby “Bernice” Chips-Arsaga, Lyle F. Bald Eagle, and Fr. John Hennessey.
Pallbearers will be Ferris White Bull, Jr., Ferris White Bull III, Lawrence M. Vigil, Sr., Ryan White Bull, Lebron White Eagle, Jeremy Ladd, Burl “G.I. Joe” Reshaw, and Jeremiah Yellow Hair.
Honorary pallbearers will be Mary Jo, Myron, and Kristie Tapio, Norma Tibbitts, Duane & Annette Swallow, Joyce Tibbitts, Jaylend Brewer, Louis Black Feather, Peaches Yellow Bird & Jasper, Joey Black Feather, the late Annette Clifford, Tony Tibbitts, Tony Tibbitts, Jr., Mike Clifford & Family, William Clifford & Family, Hunka Daughter-Julie Trapp, Henny Whalen, Cam Jones & Family, Mike Jones & Family, Katie & Family, Lawrence Amarantee Vigil, Eloy “Trix” Vigil & Family, Richard Moves Camp & Family, Marty Brewer, Bluch Black Feather, Dave, Charles L.S., Paul Ecoffey, William Cash, Troy G, Brent Bednorz, Weston Family, Lone Hill Family, Mesteth Family, Two Eagle Family, Mousseaux Family, Sioux Bob Family, Chips Family, Red Kettle Family, Red Elk Family, Two Eagle Family, Lemay Family, Standing Bear Family, Brown Family, Bald Eagle Family, Schrader Family, Winters Family, Pine Ridge School Bus Drivers, Pine Ridge School Staff, and all friends and relatives. Choppa was loved by many, we sincerely apologize if we left any names out.
Wake Services: One night wake service starting at 10:00 AM, Thursday, October 24, 2024 at the Pine Ridge Elementary School Gym in Pine Ridge, SD with evening services starting at 7:00 PM with Military Roll Call to follow.
Funeral Services: 10:00 AM, Friday, October 25, 2024 at the Pine Ridge Elementary School Gym in Pine Ridge, SD
Traditional Lakota Services: Richard Moves Camp
Burial Services: 2:30 PM, Friday, October 25, 2024 at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD
Arrangements entrusted with the Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD.