Funeral services for Melvin Little Bear, 77, of Kenel will be Saturday at 10:00 AM at St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church in Wakpala. Wake services will begin Friday at 6:00 PM at the Wakpala community Center in Wakpala. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Melvin passed away Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at the Mobridge Regional Hospital.

Naricius Melvin Little Bear (Fish) Mahto Sak'e Hanska (Grizzly Bear Long Claws) was born on October 22, 1938 at the old St. Thomas community on the river SE of present day Kenel to John and Helen (Shoots The Bear) Little Bear. As a young man Melvin would haul water in barrels to the community residents with a team and wagon. Melvin received his education on Standing Rock and graduated from Standing Rock High School in 1959. While in school Melvin was active in cross country and was a golden glove boxer on Butch Lugers boxing team. Following his education, he worked for the Dietrich Ranch as a ranch hand for many years near Kenel, he also worked for the Grand River Casino Maintenance Dept., the Standing Rock Road Dept. and the Standing Rock EPA, he also worked for the Elderly program delivering meals and he enjoyed working on cars.

He is survived by many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, Amanda Martin & family, Joseph Martin & family, Troy Martin & family, Anthony Martin, Gabe Martin & family, Samantha Summers & family, Jessie Summers & family, Ashley Summers & family, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Also God son Jeff McLaughlin and adopted brother Farrell Eagleman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers Floyd, Fremont and Clayton and 4 sisters Cora, Wilma, Garnette and Sylvia (Effie).

Melda Howard, Rodney & Glenna Yellow Fat, White Bull, Beverly Howard, Elaine St. John, Gary Walking Elk, Clyde (Butch) Walking Elk, Anthony (Sponge) Vermillion, Steve Defender, Clayton & Faye Left Hand, Annette Yellow Fat, Sam & Twyla Rough Surface, Aleta Martin, Alvina (Beana) Martin, Maureen Marshall,
Laurel & Duane Vermillion, Brain & Delena Marshall, Janet Thompson, Virgil Taken Alive, Gary Marshall Sr., Tyrone Cadotte, Lance St. John, Robbie & Janice Rough Surface, Elliotte Little Bear, Paul Touche, Donna Jones, Anna McLaughlin, Rollie McLaughlin, Phillip McLaughlin, Judy & Cordell Yellow Fat, tommy Pheasant, Ron & Marlo Free, Ernest Martinez, Iris & Barkley Payer, Staff of the Golden Living Center. We apologize if we missed anyone it was not our intention to forget anyone.