Francis X. Big Crow was born on April 22, 1926 at
Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Slim Buttes, Harding Co., South Dakota, USA.
1 He died on October 28, 2003 at age 77; ALLEN - Francis "X" Big Crow, age 77 of Allen, SD, was born April 22, 1926, at Slim Buttes, SD, to Raymond and Theresa (Garcia) Big Crow. He passed away at the Bennett County Nursing Home on October 28, 2003, after a lengthy illness. He attended school at Pine Ridge, SD. In April 1945, "X" was drafted in the U.S. Army. After serving two years in the service, "X" returned home and worked for several ranches cowboying. During the 50's "X" was working for C.H. Merrill and was an excellent rodeo cowboy. "X" was known as "The Pickup Man" to the rodeo cowboys during that time. On May 25, 1955, he was united in marriage to Pauline Nelson of Allen. They continued to live in Pine Ridge until 1962, when they moved north of Allen. At that time he started working for Marvin Heesacker. He continued working with rodeo contractors and began ranching. In 1966 they moved to their present homestead located four miles north of Allen. "X" served on many boards, such as: American Horse School Board: 1965 - 1996; Bennett County Commissioner: 1983 - 1986; Pass Creek Elderly Board, Pass Creek District Board, Pass Creek District Review Board and OST Public Safety Board for many years. In August 2000, he received an Honorary High School Diploma from the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was honored by many, including the Oglala Nation Fair & Rodeo, Lakota Nation Invitational, American Horse School and Pass Creek District for years of dedicated service. "X" will be remembered most by all that knew him as "the cowboy with a heart as big and open as the range he rode on." His honesty and integrity leaves us with utmost respect and admiration. Always ready to share his selfless wisdom and working for the benefit of all. He is survived by his wife, Pauline, Allen; sisters Thelma Bettelyoun, Pine Ridge; Leatrice Mills, Rapid City; daughter, Francyne Big Crow and husband Richard Little Bear, Pine Ridge; son, DonRoy Big Crow, Allen; Steve Coomes, Sioux Falls; Victor Big Crow, Aberdeen; Tracy Big Crow Mata and husband Luis, Allen; Nikki Big Crow, Pine Ridge; Jamie Big Crow, Kyle; Dominique Big Crow, Allen; Xavier Big Crow, Rapid City; Special Grandson Raymond Big Crow, Allen; and Special Great-Granddaughter Shiniya Big Crow, Pine Ridge. There are many other numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews who shared "X"s admiration. He was preceded in death by his parents and many brothers and sisters. First-night wake services begin 12:00 PM, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2003, at American Horse School. Second-night wake services begin 3:00 PM, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2003, at Billy Mills Hall. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 3, 2003, at Billy Mills Hall.
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