August 1, 1940 – March 20, 2022
Funeral services for Wayne Lovelette, 81, of Eagle Butte were held Friday, April 1, 2022, at the Oster Funeral Home Chapel in Eagle Butte.
Wayne S. Lovelette was born on August 1, 1940, the second child of Mary (Lambie) Lovelette and Edwin Lovelette. He attended school at the Cheyenne River Old Agency until the age of 16.
Later on, he worked on the Bar X O Ranch for Marlyn Bender as a ranch hand for close to 12 years, during which he had his first daughter, Althea Meeter, who sadly passed away.
In later years, he signed on as an officer for the Cheyenne River Police Department. He married Dianna Stricker and they were blessed with children Scott of Eagle Butte, Leslie Anne of Wichita, KS, Wayne Jr. (deceased) and an adopted daughter Michelle of Wichita.
Wayne started Lovelette Sanitation to haul garbage, but sold the business to the tribe. He married Tena Stricker-Taylor and moved to Wichita. He returned and went back to work for the CRST Police Department serving court papers.
Wayne also drove a rig for Peterson, Inc. Then, as Lovelette Hauling, purchased an International tractor with a special trailer connection to haul houses. Even after retiring, he would help to haul houses for people in need.
Traditional dancing was a part of Wayne’s life. An Ake Waci (Last Dance), as he was known in Lakota, danced frequently at local pow-wows.
In 2015, Wayne married his lifelong friend, Karen Kinser, and continued to reside in Eagle Butte for the remainder of his life.
He is survived by his wife; Karen Lovelette of Eagle Butte; sister Martina Cox of Shelby, MT; brother Lloyd Lovelette of Blunt; and extended family, including many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and friends.