Thomas Jerad Big Eagle | March 19, 1951 - January 8, 2022
Obituaries-Pierre / Posted Jan 14, 2022 | 10:19 AM / 495 views
Thomas Big Eagle, 70, of Fort Thompson, made his journey home, Saturday, January 8, 2022, at the Sanford Health Chamberlain Care Center.
Masks are required at all services
Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 14, 2022, at St. Catherine’s Hall, Big Bend, SD, Father Chritianus Hendrik, celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Big Bend. A wake service will be 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 13, 2022, at the hall.
Thomas (Tom) was born to Henry M. Big Eagle, Jr. and Mary Agnes (St. John) Big Eagle on March 19, 1951, in Big Bend, SD.
Family members took care of Thomas at home, but he was in too much pain and suffering. He was admitted to Sanford Hospital in Chamberlain, SD. He was transported to Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls the next day. Tom wanted to be home. All his life he spent in Big Bend; he didn’t travel far from home.
Thomas was diagnosed with kidney cancer 4 years ago. He underwent chemotherapy treatments but the cancer advanced. Tom was tired and his body was in pain. Tom returned to Sanford Care Center in Chamberlain January 6, 2022 and passed away January 8, 2022.
Thomas enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brothers, nieces, nephews, and friends. He enjoyed throwing horseshoes with family and friends. He looked forward to the annual Big Eagle/Marks horseshoe tournament. Tom was a kind and quiet man. He was a generous man who didn’t have many possessions but was always willing to share what he had. Tom was a self-taught handyman who had the skills to repair tires, mechanical problems and some electronics. He could always be counted on to help.
As a young man Tom worked for various farmers in the area. During one of these jobs, he lost part of his finger in a farm accident. Tom loved all his family, his nieces, nephews and grandchildren but he had a special place in his heart for his granddaughter, Viviannah. They would sit together and just visit about the cats, dogs, school, weather or whatever.
Grateful for sharing his life are his sisters: Arlis Big Eagle, Big Bend, Durine (Big Eagle) Chase, Big Bend, Janette (Big Eagle) Marks, Big Bend, Mona Big Eagle; brothers: Tony Big Eagle, Big Bend, Bernard Big Eagle, Pierre, SD, Donald (Madeline) Big Eagle, Sr.; and numerous nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
Preceding Tom in death were his parents: Henry and Mary Agnes; brothers: Antoine, Joseph, Timothy, Sr., Randy, David, and Benjamin; and sisters: Antoinette and Henrietta.
Luze Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Thomas’ arrangements.
