Funeral services for Samuel Allen Welch, 26, of McLaughlin will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, June 15, 2023, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in McLaughlin. Burial will be in the McLaughlin City Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home in Mobridge. Samuel passed away, Saturday, April 29, 2023.

Samuel Allen Welch was born on January 31, 1997 at McKennon Hospital, Sioux Falls South Dakota at 8:31 am. His mother, Theresa Blue enrolled member of the White Earth Nation, and I, Lonnie White Mountain, Sr. made a life changing choice and ask my first cousin and her husband to raise our son. This decision was difficult because his mother and I wanted Samuel aka Sam to have a good life because we weren't in a good place at that time.

Sam was raised from birth by Gary and Sandra, she is an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.  We asked Sandra and Gary to raise Sam 2 months before he was born, Sam was not aware of this decision.

I would see Sam when I came home and he would call me Uncle. I didn't want to confuse him nor disrespect the decision that my cousin Sandra and I made.

Sam was raised in a loving and caring home; he was very respectable and always smiling. I heard only good things and didn't hear of him getting into trouble.

On May 8, 2008, Sandra passed away at the age of 44, Sam was 11 years, the only father he knew, Gary, continued to raise him. I didn't interrupt their relationship as I had promised them that I would continue to uphold the decision made.

Samuel Allen Welch from birth was a fighter. He was born with "neuroblastoma" a rare form of cancer. Doctors didn't think he would live past 8 years old.  Thanks to the creator, many surgeries and chemo treatments and tons of love and prayers from all of his family, Sam was pronounced Cancer Free in 2011 at the age of 11 years old.  He was ready to take on the world.

After Sam's mother, Sandy, passed away, Sam  moved to Mobridge with his Dad, Gary, and Sister, Nicky. He attended Mobridge-Pollock school where he found his love for basketball. He transferred to West Texas High Comanches, Stennitt Texas, he took the basketball team to the state. Sam graduated at the head of his class in 2015.

Sam moved around after high school, but always had a soft spot for home, McLaughlin. He came home until his last days. He loved hanging out with his family, friends and his love Ikia Janis and kids who he loved like his very own.

When Sam returned to his homeland, a bond as a father and Son grew and he called me Pops which brought me great happiness. I was very thankful to God that I was close to my Son and he accepted me, Lonnie White Mountain, Sr.

Grateful to have shared his life; Father, Gary, Sister Nicky, Father Lonnie White Mountain Sr. (Kim Eagle) Brothers; Lonnie Jr., Colin, Dion, Mikal, Terry, Sister; Izabella, Toni Rae.

Meeting Sam with open arms are his Mother; Sandy, Grandma Jean and Grandfather Francis, Auntie Tonya, Unci Armene, Tony Jr., Mike, Steve, Randy, Cousin Anthony White Mountain and Brother; Ryan Soft Sam  had  many friends and relatives, please forgive us if we left anyone out. We love and appreciate your kindness.