Kenneth Blackbird

Kenneth Charles Blackbird, age 67, of Roosevelt, passed away August 9, 2015, at the Ashley Regional Medical Center.
He was born at Pierre, SD on June 3, 1948 to Elmer and Mabel (Veaux) Blackbird.
In his early years he lived on the Cheyenne River Reservation and then his parents relocated to other areas. After high school he entered the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war. Upon completion of his service time he was honorably discharged. He continued his education and received a college Associates Degree.
Married Nieko Kim Nelson on June 11, 1991 at Ft. Duchense, UT. He then became a police officer with the BIA and worked in law enforcement for many years.
Some of Kenneth's interest included working with horses and doing outside work and fishing. Attending powwows was very much a part of his social life and his younger years he was a legendary fancy dancer. He was baptized Episcopalian and also was a Sundancer and he attended the Native American Church.
He is survived by his wife, Neiko of Ft. Duchesne; children, Marisa (Jesse) Terronez, TX; Maurice (Ashleen) Blackbird, Rosalie, NE; Marcel (Belle) Blackbird, Winnebago, NE; Kennetha (Roger) Whitebear, Walthill, NE; Mariko (Kyle Osborne) Blackbird, Kameko Blackbird, Wi-He-Jhi-Ga Blackbird, Marietta (Marty) Trujillo, all of Ft. Duchesne; Steven Lucero, Vernal; Jacinda (Shannon Jackson) Lucero, Gr. Junction, CO; Tirrell (Jaelyn Ross) Lucero, Roosevelt; 21 grandchildren and 2 on the way, 2 great-grandchildren; brothers, Russell (Ann) Blackbird, Ignacio, CO; Gene Blackbird, Tama, IA; and a sister, Ida Walker, Nebraska.
He was preceded in death: daughter, Memoree Blackbird and brother, Steven Ray Blackbird.
Funeral services held on Thursday, August 13, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the H.V. Johnston Cultural Center, Eagle Butte, SD. Burial was in the Promise Cemetery, Promise, SD.