Funeral services for Wallace P. “Wally” Felicia, 67, of Fort Thompson, SD will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 15, 2022 at Diamond Willow Ministries in Fort Thompson, SD with burial in the Conkicaska Presbyterian Cemetery at Fort Thompson, SD.  Wake services will be 7:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Diamond Willow Ministries in Fort Thompson, SD.

Wallace P. Felicia was born July 17, 1955 at the Community Bailey Hospital in Chamberlain, SD to Madeline Harrison and Wallace Felicia Sr.  Wally was a cowboy growing up in Bad Nation, SD.  He attended grade school at Fort Thompson and high school at Stephan, SD.  He then attended Rodeo School for Indian Youth in Pierre, SD.  He completed Bronc Riding on May 27, 1972.  He went on to Rodeo throughout the state with his teacher/mentor Ray Harrison.  Ray taught Wally everything he knew about Bare Back Riding.  Ray thought highly for Wally in Bronc Riding.  After Ray’s passing, Wally stopped riding and enlisted in the U.S. Army.  During his service in the military, Wally received his GED.  He was Honorably Discharged on November 3, 1975 and returned home for a few years.  In 1981, he enrolled in MTI to be a Lineman and graduated the following year.  Later, he met Glenda Gravatt and together had five children.  He worked construction in Pierre for several years before returning to Bad Nation where he worked for Jack Abernathy for eight years.  He then worked for the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe at the landfill for the next 15 years before working in Crow Creek Housing and then the Lode Star Casino.

Wally enjoyed working and keeping busy and visiting with family and friends.  He loved to talk about his younger year over some drinks and reliving his bronc riding days.  He was always saying “He’s free black and 21”.  As a young boy, Wally was considered a “loner”.  He knew the creek like the palm of his hand.  He had a faithful companion collie dog named “King” who was his closest friend for many years.

Wally passed away on October 10, 2022 at Fort Thompson, SD at the age of 67 years.  Gratefully sharing his life are his children Trinity, Kaylene, Jamee, Gaylyn, Kayla, Lucy, and Cody; his brother William Hawk and Velsworth “Puggy” Hawk; sister Sharon Bagola, Marilyn Felicia, Lynn McGhee, and Alsephine Joseph; and many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He is joined in death by his wife Glenda Gravatt-Felicia, sister Karen Felicia, and brother Faron Felicia.

May this Bronc Rider ride home.

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