August 25, 1955 – March 2, 2021
Philip Archie “Jr” Blue Coat, 65, of On The Tree, passed away Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at his home.
Funeral services were held Friday, March 19, 2021 at the CRST Bingo Hall in Eagle Butte. Burial was at St. Thomas Cemetery at On The Tree.
Philip Archie “Jr” Blue Coat was born August 25,1955 to Robert and Irene (Hawk Eagle) Blue Coat at the Old Cheyenne River Agency. He spent his childhood years along the Moreau River, breaking and riding horses, and hanging with his cousins and brothers. He loved to ride to On The Tree Church and ring the church bell.
He left school at the age of 16 to join the U.S. Marine Corps in 1972. In 1975 he left the Marines, where he had made many friends.
On November 22, 1976 Philip married the love of his life, Barbara Kay Towry. They welcomed five children.
He was a semi-truck driver and his truck was known as “Big Red.” As a construction man he could build dams and roads, getting people out of the blizzard when it came to it. Philip was active with the Cheyenne River Veterans Group, where he loved to participate. He started his own business called Blue Coat Construction. The last years of his life were spent enjoying his family, grandchildren, and the friends he made over the years. He loved everyone he was around.
Philip is survived by his children: Elliot Blue Coat, Ryan Blue Coat family, Wyatt Blue Coat family, Ashley Blue Coat family and Victoria (Kyle) Bruner and family; grandchildren, Eli Blue Coat, Ryan Blue Coat Jr., Darrin Thomas, Scarlett Blue Coat, Shawn Blue Arm, Tristan Blue Coat, Astraea and Joseph Blue Coat, Tennessee and Steven Nelson, Aison and Axton Bruner; five sisters, Iva Traversie, Faye Rousseau, Carrie Blue Coat, Carla Blue Coat, Reba (Tom) Three Legs; one brother, Richard Red Elk; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, and friends.
Philip is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Irene (Hawk Eagle) Blue Coat; his wife, Barbara Kay; three brothers, Lanny LaPlant Sr., Orville LaPlant and Ira Blue Coat; two sisters, Amanda Sands and Harriet Blue Coat; daughter, Christine Blue Coat; grandson, Kai Christopher Blue Coat; nephew, Joshua Moon Guerrero; niece, Caitlin Towry; and his special friend, Carrie Iron Wing.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg was in charge of arrangements.