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 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at the church, with a procession from the 4-Mile at 4:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. MDT, Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at TNT Community Center, Wanblee, SD. 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 is survived by his beloved sons, DJ and Hunter; his siblings: Berwyn Rooks, Winona Rooks, Wallace Rooks, Rydell Iron Rope, Mary Iron Rope, Susie Sadek, Bert Rooks Jr., Lloydell Rooks, Jesse Rooks, Vallen, Patrick Rooks and Remo Rooks; nephews and nieces: Wanbli Rooks, Emily Rooks, Trinity Rooks, Brody Lafors (wife Sinclair children Tucker, Chayton, and Tripp), Brayden (wife Samantha children Addison, Astrid); aunt, Sterline Rooks; cousins: Georgia Rooks, Earlene Rooks, Rodney Bad Hand, Melvin Bad Hand, Romalee Bear Stops, Damon Rooks, Reva Bear Stops, Kirti Bear Stops, Arie Shiroma, George Walker, Donroy Walker, Carla Zimiga; and many aunties, uncles, cousins, and friends who dearly loved him and will continue to carry his memory forward.

He is preceded in death by his father, Bert; mother, May Jane; siblings: Tyrone Lee Rooks and Trydell Iron Rope; grandparents: George Rooks and Armsie Edna Blue Legs Rooks; aunts: Irma Bear Stops and Norma Philbrick; and uncles: Alouyis Rooks and Paul Rooks.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Durell’s arrangements.

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