Funeral services for Franklin Francis Jamerson, Ti Ole' Hi "Came to look for his home" will be held at 11:00 AM (CT), Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Messiah Church in Rural Little Eagle. Burial will be in the Good Shepherd Cemetery of Rural Little Eagle. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 PM (CT), Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Messiah Church. There will be a procession from Run Around Butte to Messiah Church leaving at 5:00 PM (CT), Friday, March 20, all family and friends are invited to join. Frank left for the spirit world on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at his home near Run Around Butte. Franklin "Big Frank" battled stage 4 lung cancer.

Franklin Francis Jamerson “Big Frank” also known as Frank Sr. was born on July 27, 1945, to Grace V Brown and Theron K Jamerson in Little Eagle South Dakota. His early years were spent in the Little Eagle area and out at Little Oak Creek. He attended the Little Eagle Day School through 8th grade, then went to McLaughlin Public School for his freshman year. Continuing his education was not the plan for his life, he left the 10th grade to go and work on the family ranch. Fond memories of the Armstrong homestead and Run Around Butte is where he began his ranch life by assisting his father, “Big” Bud, his brothers James, Joe and Everett. On April 5th, 1967, he lost his youngest brother in the Vietnam War. The following year in 1968, Dad met our mother, Geraldine Martinez, shortly after she returned home from her relocation days in San Fransico, California. They welcomed their first son, Brian Paul Martinez, on January 14th, 1969, but passed away 23 days after his birth. December of 1969, they welcomed their first daughter, Mary Magdaline, daughter Ernestine Jane in February 1973, son Franklin Kenneth in February 1974, and their last son Francis Charles in April 1976. They united in marriage on July 2nd, 1969, with the blessing of their parents. They briefly lived near the family ranch by Run Around Butte, then moved to Little Eagle to further raise their children. Dad worked various odd jobs from ranch work, TWEP, youth supervisor and the Tribal roads department. In the early 80’s he began his work on the roads and helped shape many of the current road infrastructure on Standing Rock. He was a Heavy equipment operator and assisted with other aspects of road construction. After losing his father, he continued his work on the Jamerson family ranch where he worked more closely with his brother Joseph but continued living in Little Eagle.

After leaving his road construction job, Dad was asked to take care of the local laundromat and the white community center, on the south side of Little Eagle. He maintained the laundromat and machines and kept it clean. He eventually started to clean the old striped gym so they could play basketball. This became a daily routine along with caring for the laundromat. He was compensated a mere 20 dollars in quarters for his efforts. He also volunteered as a janitor at the Legion Big Foot Bingo. His love for helping and joy of playing basketball were part of his highlights while living in Little Eagle. He became more involved in the community and the Jamerson residence, on the south side, became a familiar hangout for many of the young men and kids of the community. Dad loved playing games of horse, 21, and around the world, he also loved to play horseshoes. He lived a fulfilling life by doing much more, he often helped fight local fires as a volunteer, at times, the crew would have the fire out before the fire department arrived. He also enjoyed many good hunting days with his uncle Thomas, cousins and nephews. Dad was an avid hunter rarely, if ever, he returned without a deer. His hunting days would consist of walking miles upon miles, to ensure he brought home deer meat for the family. He had a collection of deer antlers of various sizes, some of which were spectacular and unique. Dad also enjoyed traveling to powwows to record drums. In many of his recordings he could be heard talking to his good friend, Melvin Shoots the Enemy. Later in his life, he enjoyed watching his son and grandchildren dance at many powwows.

As dad grew older, he had a loving heart, always offering kind words to people. He would give the shirt off his back, go out of his way to ensure someone’s safety, or give what little he had. He spent many years supporting his wife in all the things she would do. His memorable act of giving was by butchering a cow each year, to fulfill a commitment at the Annual Monument Celebration. From name giving ceremonies, family members on the committee or a pledge, he would be joined by his friends and nephews as they cooked a beef over the open flames, to be served. It was not uncommon to see mom and dad feeding the visitors who came to their house. Often, they would give food to road operators or to those who rendered services at their home. It was their way of sharing gratitude and appreciation with those who helped.

In 1988, Dad left the community of Little Eagle to live with his wife, sons, and Uncle Lou, at Run Around Butte. He continued to work on the family ranch and eventually became closer to the neighbors, the Johnson brothers. Dad’s relationship grew to a family relation with Ray and Janice Johnson, and it progressed to working cattle together, learning to farm, and other aspects of ranching.

He spent majority of his spare time driving his children and grandchildren to and from the bus stop, going to check the mail, picking up the elderly meals, and visiting on his way. Life started changing as he lost his mother in 2015 and then his brother Joseph in 2021 to Cancer. Soon after, mom contracted the Covid 19 Virus that brought much hardship to her health. Dad stayed by her side throughout her battle with Covid. He shared numerous trips with his children to Rapid City and Sioux Falls. He looked forward to traveling and experiencing life off the reservation. He enjoyed eating at various restaurants and sampling different foods. Dad loved eating at Chinese restaurants and especially little round things called “shrimp”. He was amazed when he saw Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Dinosaur Park on his trips to the Black Hills. Mom’s health deteriorated to the point where we thought she was going to leave us. She instructed us to care for our dad and to stay by his side until they meet again. In September of 2023, Dad was diagnosed with Leukemia, mom was suffering from severe effects of Covid. They both continued to make health improvements, until December of 2025, Dad was diagnosed with cancer and soon after received the news that it was stage 4 lung cancer. Although saddened by the news, he decided he wanted to live the remainder of his life in the comfort of his own home and that hospice was not an option. He withstood the pain to fulfill his wish and peacefully took his last breath next to mom.

Dad believed in hard work and that no obstacle should prevent or deter a person from living their life. Although he lived with lifelong effects from polio, you wouldn’t have thought he suffered from it. He never used this disadvantage as an excuse to not be productive, not lend a helping hand, or not to work. He lived his life working hard, getting up early, ensuring food was brought to the table, fixing fences, feeding cattle and horses, putting up hay, only to rest long enough to repeat the routine over each waking day. Our dad was not a materialistic man but a humble man who was content with what he had. He crossed paths with many and greeted each person with a big smile, a handshake, laughter and a conversation. You could say, Frank Jamerson Sr., most known as Big Frank, lived a life that fulfilled his commitment as a husband, father, grandfather and a good relative to all. Dad shared a special bond with the three family dogs Bear, Rocky, and Pookie. He protected them and raised them much like his own. The three amigos, Dad, Bear, and Rocky would be seen often cruising on the side-by-side checking on horses and cattle.

Papa, as he was affectionately known, was loved by all his grandchildren. He loved them all the same and enjoyed spending his time with them when they came to visit. Every time they saw him, they would give him a hug, and he would embrace them dearly. His smile would light up their world as their presence did for him. Family was a big part of his life, he enjoyed family gatherings, cookouts and visits by all the children, grandchildren and friends. His love was felt through his warmth and happiness he extended to everyone.

Our dad had a very special granddaughter, Angelek Louise Lynn. In 2001, she came to live with them, and they raised her as a child of their own. Grateful to have shared his life with Angelek, they enjoyed countless road trips, sitting together in the tractor, tending to the horses and cows, riding to town, and each other’s company. He took her to the highway daily, to ensure she got on the bus and made it home safely. When she finished high school at Mclaughlin Public in 2015. She acknowledged that if it wasn’t for her grandpa and grandma, she would never have been able to graduate. She continued to live with them for the next 24 years. She was the Angel sent from above, caring for them and their needs. She made sure they attended all their appointments, were fed delicious meals, administered their medications, and was present for them daily. Angelek and Levi were seen taking them where they needed to be and often trips to the casino. As many have shared, “where grandpa and grandma were, so was Angelek and Levi”. In the end, they stood by his side up until his last breath. It was a bond beyond love and sacrifice.

Pallbearers will be Charlie Black Fox, Pete Good Shield, Bruce Kills In Water Sr., Arthur Taken Alive Jr., Henry Red Legs Jr., Adrian Martinez, Chris Keller, Levi Kenney, Gary Wavrecan Jr. and Bryan Swift Cloud. Dad shared a special bond and friendship throughout his life with those who have been chosen to carry his body to his final resting place. We as a family are thankful to each of you for being there for our dad and helping him throughout his earthly life.

Honorary Pallbearers: Levi Kenney, Darlene Martinez-Chasing Hawk, Gary Wavrecan Jr., Vern (Mazie) Shelton, James (Helen) Parisien, John (Devonna) Bush, Melvin (Michelle) Hill, Glen Looking Horse, Aaron Chasing Hawk, Stanford Edwards, Tim Ackerman, Ronald Houston, Terry Martinez, Doug (Anetha) Wilkinson, Phyliss White, Virgil (Dawn) Standing Crow and family, Fern Has Horns, Stewart (Gay) Johnson, Clint and Bonnie Rose, Kay Goodshield, Nancy Johnson, Melissa Johnson, Pearl Johnson, Allen Johnson, Barbara Keller, Scott Keller, John Keller, Bob Keller, Samuel Mortenson, Frank Archambault, Richard (Virginia) Long Feather, Myron (Debbie) Uses Arrow, Gary (Crystal) Weasel, James and Judy Red Tomahawk, Nakoa Heavy Runner, Kenneth (Girdie) Walks, Julia Walks, Anthony Bobtail Bear Sr., Emanuel Red Bear, Richard (Tillie) Charging Eagle and Family, Paul Archambault, Ron (Carol) Brown Otter, Jerry Peterson, Jeffrey Tutland, Leroy (Mary Ann) White, Ivan Yellow Earrings, Emma Uses Arrow, Donald Bobtail Bear, Paul Guggolz Jr., Bob Walters, Sylvia Picotte, Steve (Sonja Mortenson) Willard, Mary “Bear” Martell, Chairwoman Janet Alkire, Chairman Charles (Ernesdean) Murphy, Chairman Mike (Melissa) Faith, Chairman David Archambault, Reva and Margaret Gates, Frank White Bull, Janet White Bull, Cedric (Sissy) Good House, Walter One Feather, Rod (Sandy) Moser, Renato (Maria) Procida, Tyrone “Bumper” (Jolene) Cadotte, Karen Ledeaux and family, Russell Leaf, Russell Has Horns, Major Travis Block and family, Jonathon Sam and Family, Susan Eagle, Bart Joshua, Anthony Vermillion, Mark Good Shield, Lynn and Cathy Spiry, Keith (Delores) Curley, Paula Gayton, Dennison Dedman, Butch Spotted Horse, Jeff Spotted Horse Sr., Wayne (Sheila) Buechler, Mike (Lois) Buechler, Vanessa Pedro, Paul Lofgren, Sally and Lynsey Taken Alive, Wayne Thompson, Claudia Walking Elk, Blanche Lawrence, Charles Walker, Randee Walker-Pipe, Sunny Guillory, Chad Martinez, Helmina Makes Him First, Gayle Henry and family, Elverda “Skiggee” Little Dog, Donna Hinckley, Gillard White, Gary (Priscilla) Green Leaf, Irene Poor Thunder, Everett (Charlotte) Chasing Hawk, Verdell (Ann) Bobtail Bear and family, Wallace Schott, Tami, Black Fox, Little Eagle Family, Jessica Anderberg and family, Running Antelope District Elders, American Legion Post 239 Looking Back Growler Jamerson Little Bear, Buffalo Family, Brown Family and all Relatives from Cheyenne River, Grand River Casino Staff, Prairie Knights Casino Staff, Kendra and the Wells Fargo staff of Mobridge SD, Mobridge Regional Hospital, Sanford Medical Staff, Dr. Kurniali, RN Taylor, Carly Unger of UND Sanford Health/ Oncology in Bismarck ND. Dad had numerous friendships and relatives, too many to name. We apologize if we may have forgotten anyone, it was not our intention, and we want to acknowledge that he cherished each friendship.

Survived by his wife of 58 years, Geraldine Martinez Jamerson, Brothers Everett Jamerson, Kevin Bear Ribs, Pete Flying Horse, Gary Wavrecan Jr., Sister in Law Darlene Martinez-Chasing Hawk, Sisters Ina McNeil, Cecilia Tenoso, Marie Brown, Eileen Brown, Daughters Mary (Bruce) Kills In Water of Little Eagle SD, Jane Jamerson of Little Eagle SD, Sons Frank Jamerson (Melinda) of Little Eagle SD, Francis (Mary) Jamerson of Driscoll ND, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren; Bruce Kills In Water Jr., Marisa Kills In Water (Jason) sons Brayden and Atreus, Franklin Kills In Water Sr, sons Myron, Oscar, Franklin Jr., Traivon, and Kenny, daughters, Laila and Malyha, Brianna Kills In Water, Francis Kills In Water, Joseph Jamerson, Amanda Jamerson, sons Elijah, Durant and Liam, daughters Elianna and Arianna, Angelek Jamerson (Levi), Destinee Jamerson, daughter Mango, Frankie Jamerson (Kade), sons Nyal and Stoney, Tamera Martin, son Aiden, May-lihn Martin

Nieces and Nephews; Stephanie, Lovey, Hope, and Susan Jamerson, Alan and Janelle Jamerson, Jamie Wilkinson, Joseph (Sheridan) McNeil, Frank McNeil, Jackie Brown Jackson, Troy Fairbanks, Phyliss Fairbanks, Sandy Oswald, Billy, Thomas and David Ridley, Darla Iron Wing, Lynette Ridley, Patti Ridley, Lauri Phelps, Henry Red Legs Jr., Almira Gary, Arlene Loafer, Adrian Martinez, Terry Martinez, Rhea Martinez, Marliss Marshall, Mary Lynn Benson, Heidi Benson Hernandez, Jan Benson

Preceded in death by his parents, Theron and Grace Jamerson, Brothers Kenneth, James, and Joseph Jamerson, Donald Demarrias, son Brian Paul Martinez, Father in law James Martinez Sr. and Brother in law James Martinez Jr., Ray and Janice Johnson, John and Bernadine Johnson, Louwellyn Uses Arrow, Edison Uses Arrow, Donald “Duck” Village Center, Terrance Red Legs, Frank Red Legs, Gary Wavrecan Sr., Ronald His Horse is Thunder, grandchildren, Jane Kills In Water, Bernadine Kills in Water, Grace Kills in Water, Serenity Rose Jamerson, Eli, Emma, Amani Kills In Water