Melvin Chasing Hawk, Sr.

A funeral service for Melvin James Chasing Hawk, Sr. (Ohitoya Nazin), age 70, formerly of Bonesteel, SD, was held at 11 a.m., Monday, February 23, 2026, at Bonesteel City Hall in Bonesteel, SD, with Dr. Lorenzo Stars officiating. Devin Rouse, Tony Bruguier, Jr., Aydan Bruguier, Richard Chasing Hawk, Jr., Ashton Chasing Hawk, Todd Chasing Hawk, and Harry Medicine Bear were casket bearers. Honorary casket bearers were Levi Chasing Hawk, Todd Charging Hawk, David Primeaux, Tony Bruguier, Sr., Jesse Felix, Byron Andrews, Sr., Ron Knudsen Jr., Terry Bruguier, Sr., Terry Bruguier, Jr., Greg Heck, Maynerd Heck, Mad Dogs Softball Team, LA Warriors Softball Team, NC All Stars Softball Team, Lake Andes Senior Living staff, All of his family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends.

Interment was at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery in St. Charles, SD. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Melvin was born on July 25, 1955, in Wagner, SD, to Richard and Gertrude (Red Hill) Chasing Hawk. He graduated from Bonesteel High School in May 1974. While attending high school, he participated in many activities. He enjoyed playing football and was one of the top players. Melvin was an all around athlete.

After graduation Melvin joined the military and was stationed at Fort Riley, KS. He enjoyed military life. He was also proud of his sons and grandson for following the family tradition of joining the military.

Melvin continued his education at Mitchell Vo-Technical and earned a two-year degree in Auto Mechanics. Later in life, he pursued a fouryear degree in Drug and Alcohol Counseling at Sinte Gleska in Mission, SD. He then began his employment at Canku Teca Treatment Center, Ihanktonwan Community College, and Yankton Sioux Housing Authority until his sickness began.

In 1978, Melvin met Wilma “Joyce” Roubideaux. They started their life together and had seven children: Richard-Cactus (Delirita), Nicole (Tony), Melvin Jr. (Jasie), Stephanie, Brooks, Brian, and Cody. He also gained four step-children: Deanne, Jesse, Jeffery, and Rochelle. Melvin and Joyce were blessed with thirty grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren.

As a young man, his favorite time was fishing with his dad along the Milks Camp community dam. In the fall and winter he would go hunting with his dad. Later in life his enjoyment for the outdoors continued. He spent many hours fishing with his family and later with his grandchildren. Melvin also enjoyed playing poker and participated in many tournaments. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren, following them to their sporting events. He would also travel to different softball tournaments to be the score keeper for the Mad Dogs softball team.

Melvin passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026 at the Lake Andes Nursing Home in Lake Andes, South Dakota.

He is survived by his seven children; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; two sisters: Pauline and Veronica; two brothers: Stephan and Richard Jr.; and many family members and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, three brothers, and one stepson.