November 30, 1954 – January 18, 2026___________________________________
Aaron David West Sr., 71, of Eagle Butte passed away Sunday, January 18, 2026, at his home.
Funeral services were on January 31, 2026, at the C-EB Auditorium, Eagle Butte. Burial followed in St. Luke’s Episcopal Cemetery, Iron Lightning.
Aaron David West Sr. was born on November 30, 1954, at Old Cheyenne Agency and was brought to the Wakiyan Maza Community where he was raised by his Unci, Marie Wet Skirt, and Lala, Thomas Elk Eagle.
He attended Iron Lightning Day School through 5th grade, Dupree School for 6th grade, and 7th grade forward at Cheyenne-Eagle Butte and thereafter, obtained his GED.
In May of 1975, at the age of 17, Dave hitchhiked to Mobridge where he enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed in Berlin, Germany and was honorably discharged in 1980. Soon after being discharged from the military, he welcomed three sons: Jacob Grant West, Duane David West, and Aaron David West Jr.; and daughter Penny LeCompte, and later would come two sons: James West and Loren West, and daughter Berlin West.
Dave served for seven years as a patrol officer for the Cheyenne River Police Department. He also served as commander of the Cheyenne River Vietnam Veterans Association and was one of the original Si Tanka Wokiksuye riders. He also participated as a rider and supporter of the Unity Ride in Canada.
He later became one of the very first Lakota language teachers within the BIA-Cheyenne-Eagle Butte School and taught Lakota language and culture in various positions with many Oglala Sioux Tribe schools and Standing Rock Sioux Tribe schools.
One of his most enjoyable experiences was at the Montessori school in Little Eagle where he taught a Lakota language immersion class with kindergarten students. He taught several Lakota culture, history, and traditional foods and arts classes for Oglala Lakota College at Cheyenne River College Center.
Dave worked as a Transitional Living Center aide for 12 years at Wakpa Waste Counseling Services, formerly known as Four Bands Healing Center.
Shortly before his passing, he volunteered at Lakota arts and crafts nights at the Lakota Cultural Center. He loved helping the participants and became a relative to those who worked with him on their projects.
He was a sundancer for many years at several Hocokans in prayer for the people and all living things.
Dave walked his life carrying the Lakota caje, Kunsu, Toka Kutepi, Kuwapi Hunska. Shortly before he made his journey to the Wicahpi Oyate, because of his many years of carrying and sharing the Lakol Wicohan, he received his final Lakota caje, Canunpa O’We which means, “Teachings of the Pipe.”
Dave is survived by his sons: Jacob West (Kylan, Chael, Kristyn, and Lucy), Duane West (Dominik and DeKiera), Aaron (Michelle) West Jr. (McKenzie, Angelique, Santos, Duane and Selena), James West (Julian and Jackson), and Loren West (Libby and Nova); daughters: Penny LeCompte (Shawn, Angel, Gabe and Ava) and Berlin West; sisters Audrey Houser, Nancy West, Rene West, Anna Long Chase, Jackie Brown Otter, and Roxanne Long Chase; brother Loren Curley; nephews, nieces, and many other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother Marie Wet Skirt; grandfather Thomas Elk Eagle; Cekpa Duane David West; sisters Cecelia Curley, Octavia West, Olivia Bear Ribs, and Wanda West; brother Cody Long Chase; hunka brothers Alex Guererro aka “John Moon,” Rocke Afraid Of Hawk, and Duane Yellow Cloud; and other relatives.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg was in charge of arrangements.