January 2, 1960 – June 13, 2021
Funeral services for Roman “Romey” Gunville, 61, of Eagle Butte were held Monday, June 21, 2021 at the Eagle Butte Rodeo Grounds. Burial was at the Eagle Butte Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge.
Romey passed away Sunday, June 13, 2021 at Monument Health in Rapid City.
Roman “Romey” D. Gunville was born on January 2, 1960 to Elmer and Phyliss (Ducheneaux) Gunville in Mobridge. He attended school at Cheyenne-Eagle Butte, graduating in 1978. During high school, he loved playing football, was an All-American and competed in rodeo. In 1978, he won South Dakota Regionals and went on to the National High School finals, where he rode a bronc for the Good Morning America TV program.
Romey and Joyce first met in 1974 when they were 14 years old; it was love at first sight. They were married in 1982 and had three children, Dawson Tucker, Dave Brody and Demi Marie. They moved to Rapid City where Romey attended Western Dakota Vo-Tech and graduated with a small engine repair degree. He also worked for his Uncle Harlan and Aunt Georgie Gunville at Indian West in Rapid City.
Romey was very personable and made many new friends while living in Rapid City. In 1987, they returned to Eagle Butte and began ranching again. Romey worked for the City of Eagle Butte, maintaining the golf course and helping Jon Ganje. He also worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs Land Operations. He liked golfing, hunting, camping, playing corn hole and visiting. He could be seen parked at the Eagle Butte Saddle Shop, congregating with friends.
He competed in saddle bronc riding and did quite well. During his high school years, he and his dad Elmer spent a lot of time at his uncle Harlan’s ranch, where he fell in love with bucking horses. He filled his PRCA permit at two rodeos and hit the rodeo trail with his cousin Tater Ward, winning Amarillo in 1979 and placing at several others. In 1980 Romey won year-end saddle bronc titles in both Indian associations, Great Plains and Sioux Nation. He won year-end champion at the NRCA finals in 1993. He competed for four decades, getting on his last bronc in 2001, winning the Elmer Gunville Memorial Wild Ride for his mother.
Romey is survived by his wife Joyce; children Dawson (LaRae), Dave and Demi (Kourt); grandchildren Rance, KLinda, Jessa, Madden, Marleigh and Rio Lou; great-grandson Zayden; sisters Latonne and Jo Lavae; brothers William (Margaret), Ernest and Dustin (Jimmie); and many other relatives.
Romey was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Phyliss Gunville; sister Guyla Ann; maternal and paternal grandparents; uncles Harlan, Jerome, Lyle, and Roman; aunts Delores, Audrey, Sharon, Marilyn “Butchie,” and Debbie; and two young men who were just like sons, Shannon Lawrence and Blue Annis.