Melvin Garreaux, Sr., 96, of Eagle Butte and formerly of LaPlant entered the Spirit World on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at the Cheyenne River Health Care Center at Eagle Butte.
Melvin Charles Garreaux was born June 11, 1927, to Gilbert Garreaux and Amelia Scott Garreaux Laundreaux at the Old Cheyenne Agency hospital.
At a very young age, Melvin was a ranch hand at the Diamond A Cattle Co. His job was to keep the water pitchers filled in the bunkhouses. He’d tell stories about working alongside the likes of Casey Tibbs (before he became famous) and how they’d have impromptu rodeos and sleep outside under the stars.
Melvin attended St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain where he was preparing to enter the priesthood. He left upon being called home to help his father on their ranch at Stove Creek.
He met Melda High Bear and he would court her by riding horseback to her house and spending the day with her and her family and leave in the dark of night to ride home.
They would eventually marry on January 13, 1947, in the middle of a blizzard. From this union came seven children: Morgan Garreau, Francine (Bob) Hall, Rita Kym Garreau-Louis, Melvin Jr., Jeff (Karen) Garreau, Steven Garreau and Jacqueline Garreaux; grandchildren: Joseph Garreau, LeeAnne Knight, Louis Garreau, Cody Hall, Peter Hall, Aaron Scotty Louis, Daron Kyle Louis, Melvin Juncy Garreau,
June 11, 1927 – September 30, 2023
Hillary Garreau, Martin Garreau, Joseph Elsey, Warrant Garreau, and Alscessa Elsey, Jeffrey Garreau Jr., Dominic Moran, Bryan Garreau and Melani Garreau; great-grandchildren: Jasmine Louis, Eryn Louis, Xavier Louis, Henry Hall and Felix Hall; and great-great-grandchild, Kellan Louis.
Melvin was a leader of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, serving as Chairman, Council Representative, and Chief Judge. He served the Oyate for many, many years. He always said he worked for the people and never turned anyone away. While Chairman, there was a knock, and a young couple was standing at the door. They wanted marital advice, so he had Melda put a pot of coffee on and there he sat for hours counseling this young couple.
He was an advocate and knowledgeable leader about the 1851 and 1868 Fort Laramie treaties, always advocating and representing the tribe as a member of the Treaty Council. Preceding the Wounded Knee II takeover, the Means and Bellecourt brothers and Dennis Banks would visit to talk about the treaties and how the U.S. government wasn’t keeping their word.
He was a fluent Lakota speaker and spoke Lakota in council and district meetings.
He really loved his tribe and was proud of his heritage and ancestry. Together with Sidney and Shirley Keith, he became an ardent organizer and supporter of the International Sun Dance where his leksi, Frank Fools Crow, was the Intercessor.
Melvin was a direct descendant of Black Buffalo and One Horn (He Wanjin, whose name he would acquire upon becoming the Itancan for the CRST). His maternal grandmother was Sophie Gets Off and his paternal grandmother was Jennie in the Lead, a survivor of the Wounded Knee Massacre.
He was also a rancher and raised his children out in the country. He loved the old cowboy balladeers and would sing along with Marty Robbins and Waylon Jennings.
Melvin is survived by his wife of 76 years, Melda Garreaux of Eagle Butte; three sons: Morgan Garreaux of LaPlant, Jeff Garreaux of Aberdeen, and Steven Garreaux of Eagle Butte; three daughters: Francine Hall and Rita “Kym” Louis of Eagle Butte, and Jacqueline Garreaux of Albuquerque, NM; one brother, Romey Garreaux of Eagle Butte; a sister, Shirley Christianson of Red Scaffold; and 14 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Margaret McLemore, Alphonsine Garreaux, Verna LeCompte, Serena Garreaux, Arvilla Johnson, and Marlene Bowker; brothers Grant Garreaux, Frank Garreaux, Mervin Laundreaux, Manson Garreaux, Harold “Peaches” Lee, Alphonso Garreau, Gilbert Garreaux, Jr., Gibson Garreaux, and Tracy Garreaux; son Melvin Garreaux, Jr. and grandsons Jeffrey Garreau, Jr and Joseph Garreau.
A Celebration of Life Service was held Friday, October 6, at the C-EB High School Auditorium at Eagle Butte with burial at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cemetery at LaPlant.