Burial with full military honors followed by a Celebration of Life for 89-year old Orval Elliott will be held May 26, 2024 – his 90th birthday.
It begins with a procession from the American Legion in Hot Springs, SD, to the Buffalo Gap Cemetery in Buffalo Gap, SD, departing at 11:00 and led by the Legion Riders.
Immediately following the burial, the Celebration of Life and Oval’s 90th birthday (May 26) will begin at the Hot Springs American Legion.
Online condolences may be made at siouxfuneralhome.com
Orval DeVere Elliott was born on May 26, 1934 in Buffalo Gap, SD to Frank Orval Elliott and Ruth (Miller) Elliott. Orval passed away on Jan 11, 2024 in Arizona surrounded by his loving family. Heaven gained a great cowboy that day.
Orval was raised in the Buffalo Gap and Hot Springs area. He was known by many different names from his family and friends, such as “Jr,” ”Grandpa Smokey,” “Snowball,” “Ice Cream Man,” or “Big O.”
Orval started working with his father at a very young age. They were a pair of jacks-of-all-trades; you name it, they did it. They were the first and second to put the waterfall in Hot Springs and together they moved houses,
Orval enlisted in the United States Army on Dec 6, 1954 in Hot Springs and was honorably discharged on Nov 14, 1957.
Orval started working for the U-S Forestry Service in 1961 with positions around Hot Springs, Nemo, Custer, and in Sundance, WY. He retired after 23 years, then worked for Rick at French Creek.
Orval later bought an ice cream truck and always kept and gave away 100’s of frozen ice pops for the kids that couldn’t afford regular ice cream. He just loved kids, he was known for giving kids candy, rocks, and money for ice cream.
When Orval would get ready to go to the NFR, he would tell everyone, “Watch for me. I will be on the first bull out.” He enjoyed life to the fullest.
Orval was married to Grace Clifford and immediately gained two stepsons, Willie and Johnny Fisher. Then were born Patty, Ruthie, Frankie, and finally Kara.
Orval later married Phillis Duncon and welcomed two more 2 stepchildren, Larry and Lois Basemen.
Still later on, Orval shared his life with Donna Alexander stepchildren Victor, Deb, and Joy. He also had four hunka daughters: Leslie, Shana, Ruth, and Montana.
He was a wonderful father and loved everybody. We were very fortunate to have him with us for as long as we did. We will miss him deeply.
Orval is survived by his love Donna; children Patty (Ted), Ruthie (Charlie), Frank (Cheri), Kara, Johnny (Lori), Larry, Lois, Victor, Deb, Joy, Leslie Pullins, Shana Cuny, Ruth Sylvester, and Montana Standing along with many grandkids, great-grandkids, and great-great-grandkids. He also had relatives and many great friends that are too many to mention, he loved you all.
Arrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD