Joseph A. Lends His Horse Sr., 83, of Eagle Butte, passed away Friday, April 16, 2021 at Monument Health, Rapid City.

Due to COVID restrictions, the family is holding a private, family only service followed by a military burial at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, SD.

Joseph Andrew Lends His Horse was born to William and Mary (Longie) Lends His Horse on February 21, 1938 at the Old Agency. He attended school at Eagle Butte and Gettysburg. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served from 1957 through 1959 on the USS Atule as a Radar Man.

Joe was joined in marriage to Alvina (Beanie) Baker in 1960 and spent 43 years together until her death in 2003. Together they raised five kids and were present in the lives of their many grandkids and great grandkids. Dad Stayed healthy enough to be present in the lives of two great-great grandkids, Katai (Tyra/Kaytonna) and Tristan (Trinity/Trevor).

Dad took great pride in being a “cowboy”. He grew up ranching and was very proud to rope well enough that he earned a buckle. He was a naturally gifted artist. He spent many years playing stringed instruments and singing in bands. He was a leather smith who enjoyed designing and tooling belts, billfolds, and saddles. His artistry challenged him to design a parade float that won first place during the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Fair, a guitar entitled “fair time is dancing time.”

Dad’s true passion was that of “Education”. He received degrees from Presentation College, Aberdeen, SD, Dakota Wesleyan University, Mitchell, SD, and Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ. He encouraged it and lived his life devoted to promoting and working in educational institutions as an administrator or instructor. He was proud to serve as a College President at several colleges across the country.

Dad’s strength, wisdom, guidance and especially humor will be truly missed. Humor always finds a way to get us through good times and bad, no matter what the circumstance. He was our family’s comic relief and after our mother’s passing in 2003, our sister, Charlene, became his primary caretaker and spent the last 18 years witnessing and relaying stories of Dad that filled us with laughter. You would often see them together at restaurants, sporting events, playing slots, or just driving around. Dad was my sister’s “best friend”.

He is survived by his children: Joe Lends His Horse Jr., Charlene Lends His Horse, Madonna (Humphrey) Long, Lou (Trina) Lends His Horse, and Wally Lends His Horse; grandchildren and great grandchildren too numerous to list; and two great-great grandchildren.

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

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