EAGLE BUTTE, SD – Durell D. Rooks, Sr., 50, of Eagle Butte, passed away Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Cheyenne River Health Center, Eagle Butte. Leaving behind a life remembered for creativity, compassion, and a heart that cared deeply for others. Durell was a man who felt things strongly – both in joys and the challenges – and met life with a mix of humor and resilience.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. MDT, Thursday, August 13, 2026, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Eagle Butte, SD. Wake services will be at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at the church, with a procession from the 4-Mile at 4:00 p.m.
Wake services will be 7:00 p.m., MDT, Monday, August 17, 2026, at the TNT Community Center, Wanblee, SD. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m.
Durell had a creative spirit that showed in everything he did. His art and flute playing carried emotion and reflected the way he saw the world – colorful, thoughtful and full of feeling.
The greatest source of joy and pride were his two sons. He loved his sons, Durell D. Rooks, Jr (DJ) and Hunter Rooks, and spoke of them often. He celebrated their accomplishments and cared deeply about their futures, always holding them close in his thoughts and heart.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Jane Crow, and his father, Bert Ernest Rooks, Sr.
He is survived by his beloved sons; his siblings, JR Rooks, Patrick Rooks, Lloydell Rooks, Jesse Rooks, Valen Rooks, Berwyn Rooks, Noni Rooks, Mary Iron Rope, and Suzy Sadek; his niece Emily Rooks and nephew Wanbli Rooks; and many aunties, uncles, cousins, and friends who dearly loved him and will continue to carry his memory forward.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Durell’s arrangements.

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