Funeral services for 86-year old Melvin Young are Sat, Sept 23, 2023 at 11:00 at the American Horse School Gym in Allen, SD, with Pastor Tim Wardell officiating
Burial follows at 1:30 at the Lakota Freedom Vetera’s Cemetery in Kyle, SD
Online condolences may be left at siouxfuneralhome.com
Melvin Lee James Young “Sungmanitu” was born on July 20, 1937 in Rosebud, SD, as the youngest son of Harry Henry Young and Viola Mae Peck. Melvin left this worldly life on Monday, September 18th in Rapid City while completing his rehabilitation services at the Fountain Spring Health Center.
Melvin was raised in the Tuthill and Wanblee areas. He often said – smiling – country life was the best.
His elder brothers were Eddleman Louis, Eugene Alfred, Glover Calvin, Lyle Francis, Leslie and Arthur while his baby sister was Ramona Young.
Melvin was a proud member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and had the Lakota name Sungmanitu (Coyote) given to him by the fiercest Unci of the family, he would say laughingly.
Melvin shared many stories about his childhood, remembering his grandparents Louisa Iyotte & Henry Harry Young and Louie Peck & Nancy Rooks.
He went to Pine Ridge Boarding School until the 10th grade, when he moved to California with his family under the BIA relocation program.
Like all children in those days, he remembers working as a shoeshine boy for Bob’s Shoe Repair in Rapid City. In 1960, he joined the US Army and was stationed in Fort McClellan, Alabama where he became a mechanic, he was honorably discharged in 1962.
Melvin had three children from a previous marriage to Carol Powers: Beatrice, Patricia and Harry Young. They were foster parents to many children over the years and they loved them all.
Melvin worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs Maintenance Department Building & Utilities for 35 years and lived in Pine Ridge until he retired.
As part of his life’s work, he was an electrician and helped the surrounding communities by hooking up electricity in all the Wacipi grounds on the reservation.
Melvin met his sweetheart Eula DuBray and they were married on October 16th, 1992, and celebrating more than 30 years of marriage and making their home in Allen, SD.
He said that when he dated Eula, he knew she had 3 daughters and that it was a package deal. The first date was going to a movie together and having pizza.
They raised their daughters – Raquel, Joni and Hazel Marie Salomon – in Allen.
Grandpa was his proudest title, he loved all his grandchildren dearly and enjoyed getting a hoot out of the crew, especially his grandson Morgan and great-grandsons Kayden and Jesse.
Melvin loved to laugh and share stories, and he always kept busy. He could be found working outside and tinkering around or fixing up something, but he always had something to do.
He enjoyed gambling and liked spending time at East Wind Casino, even winning the South Dakota Lottery once.
He liked traveling and seeing other places, experiencing other things like Las Vegas. He enjoyed fishing in North Dakota and going to Washington DC; he took many pictures of his travels with all the people he traveled with.
Melvin loved sports and was an avid fan of his favorite football team, the Green Bay Packers, and basketball team, the LA Lakers.
In his years of service to his country, he has served as the Commander for Pass Creek Post 317 for 30 years and was the Bennett County Commander and District 9 Commander for 4 years, over all serving more than 60 years of Legion service in various veterans groups.
Melvin was proud of serving and always supported veteran services, but served his country, tribal nation and people in many ways for many years.
He was on the TERO Board for 20 years and was Pass Creek Senior Citizen Chairman, American Horse School Board Member, OST Gaming Board Member, and Allen Community President.
Melvin said ‘I lived a good life and enjoyed most of it.’ He was grateful for his family and friends.
We all know that you have stories and memories with Melvin to keep with you.
Melvin is survived by his sweetheart & wife Eula (DuBray) Young; daughters Raquel, Joni and Hazel Marie (Katrina) Salomon of Allen; his children Harry Young of Kyle, SD, Beatrice (Brian) Rosenau of Lake Andes, SD, and Patricia Young of Brookings, SD.
He is also survived by his baby sister Ramona Ann Young and niece Reese, Derek and Troy Hendley; many other nieces and nephews who he loved dearly; grandchildren Kaylee, Duane and Cleveland Reddest, Katelyn Vocu and Morgan Salomon, Laiten Pourier, Malonnie, Harley and Demi Young, Frances, Tamara, Lukas, Caterry, and Josephine Young, and Electa Pierce; and all great-grandchildren (and he was proud that he was soon going to be a great-great-grandpa!)
Melvin is also survived by his adopted children Rayfield O’Rourke, Robert Montileaux, and Rick Jason DuBray and daughters Prairie Rose (Don) Chapin and Eula Yellow Boy.
Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sisters, his beloved grandson Taylor Young, and godson Davyd DuBray.
Honorary Pallbearers will be all Veterans and Legion Post Members and All Friends & Family.
Pallbearers will be Lael Young, Tayvis Young, Lukas Young, Cedric Little Crow Jr, Cleveland Reddest, Duane Reddest, and Vincent Pedro DuBray II
Arrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD