05/29/2019 - Gerald 'Pawnee' R. Smith

Funeral services for Gerald “Pawnee” R. Smith “Cante Waste’ Wicasa” (Man With A Good Heart), age 59, will be at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at the Billy Mills Hall in Pine Ridge, SD with Father Ed Hunt and Mother Rhoda Mesteth officiating. All Spiritual Leaders are welcome to help provide Traditional Lakota services.

Burial services are To Be Announced.

A one-night wake service will begin at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at the Billy Mills Hall in Pine Ridge, SD with evening services starting at 7:00 PM.

Pawnee was a veteran in the U.S. Navy.

Pawnee was born on June 20, 1959 in Pine Ridge, SD to Andy Smith and Betty Jane Goings. He passed away peacefully at his home in Pine Ridge surrounded by his children, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, grandson boy, friends, and also his igmu, Smoke, on May 20, 2019. 

Pawnee was diagnosed with cancer in April 2018 and fought it until the end.  Pawnee was a lifetime resident of Pine Ridge. He worked various jobs, mostly construction ones. He hiked the states to OK and made many friends, always joking and smiling. Pawnee was on the Longest Walk and joined the Navy, serving his country from 1976 to 1977 before being honorably discharged. He met Rose Dixon in the late 90s, and they had two children, Andrianna and Alan Smith. Pawnee always worried about his children, and they always held a special place in his heart.

Pawnee leaves behind children Andrianna and Allan Smith; cat Smokey; stepchildren Aimy Dixon and Alyce Arcoren; brothers Ernest Goings, David Rabbit, and Ben Smith; sisters Kathleen Wilson, Marlys, Daus, and LeAnn Rabbit; and many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

Pawnee was preceded in death by parents Andy Smith and Jane Rabbit; stepfather Narcisse Rabbit; spouse Rose Dixon; and nephews Jon Red Hawk and Whitney Rabbit.

Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD is in charge of arrangements for Gerald “Pawnee” R. Smith “Cante Waste’ Wicasa” (Man With A Good Heart).