Funeral services for 68-year old Samuel “Sam” Bear Killer are Tues, Nov 28, 2023 at 1:00 at Father Pauly Hall in Porcupine, SD, with Deacon Bill White officiating and traditional Lakota services by Dave Swallow
Burial with full military honors will be at the Brown Eyes Family Cemetery in Porcupine
A one-night wake service starts Monday, Nov 27, at 2:00 at Father Pauly Hall in Porcupine, SD with evening services at 7:00 followed by Military Roll Call.
Online condolences may be left at siouxfuneralhome.com
Samuel Leonard Bear Killer was born on Sept 4, 1955 at home in Allen, SD to Sampson and Rose (Brown Eyes) Bear Killer. Samuel made his journey to the Spirit World to be with the Creator on Nov 17, 2023 in Cedar Rapids, IA, passing away peacefully with his family at his side at Mercy Hospital.
He will be buried in Porcupine, South Dakota as he wished, to be laid to rest by his mother. Sam will be given full veteran’s honors for his funeral.
Sam grew up in the small town of Chadron, NE, the fifth of six children born to Sampson and Rose Bear Killer. He graduated from Chadron High School and pursued a career in the Army.
Sam really enjoyed time stationed in Germany because it gave him the chance to travel around Europe. Although he ended up not pursuing an Army career, he enlisted for two tours of duty.
After the service, Sam went to Kirkwood College for an auto mechanic and auto body certificate. He would try to help friends and family fix their car troubles when he was able.
Sam enjoyed shooting pool and riding his bicycle around the city. In time, he met Rena and they built a strong relationship for 27 years.
He enjoyed walking the dog daily and playing with him. They would go to the powwows at the Mesqwaki settlement in Tama.
Samuel is survived by his daughter Elisa Henry with Rena; grandchildren Breanna and Storhm Henry who will miss him a lot; nephews Chris Bear Killer, Richard Bear Killer, and Dylan Hall; nieces Suzanna Bear Killer, Courtney Martin, and Rose Bear Killer.
Samuel was preceded in death by his parents Sampson Bear Killer and Rose (Brown Eyes) Bear Killer; sisters Marie Bear Killer, Judy Bear Killer, and Donna (Randy) Bear Killer-Cady; brother Fred Bear Killer; uncles, Roland Bear Killer Sr, Raliegh Bear Killer, and Chris Conquering Bear; aunt Hazel Bear Killer; nephew Michael Bear Killer; niece Lori Bear Killer; and cousins Larry Bear Killer and Minerva Bear Killer.
Pallbearers will be Manny Bear Killer, Dean Bear Killer, Roland Bear Killer Sr, Cornell Reddest, Lenny Pourier, Samuel Bear Killer, Larry J Bear Killer Jr, Charles Cortier, and Ryan Bear Killer.
Honorary pallbearers will be Ethol Swallow & Family, Lydia Bear Killer & Family, Darlene Bear Killer & Family, Deloris Bear Killer & Family, Doris Bear Killer & Family, Roland Bear Killer & Family, Ralph Bear Killer & Family, Rhonda Tallman & Family, Christina Conquering Bear & Family, Ruth Cedar Face & Family, Lenart Brown Eyes & Family, Gerald Brown Eyes & Family, Jean Hammond & Family, Wilma Leonard & Family, Cortier Family, and All Friends & Relatives.
Arrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD