Charles John Allen Sr.

Charles John Allen, Sr., age 43, of Flandreau, passed away on Friday, August 15, 2025 at Avera Flandreau Hospital. A memorial service will be held at 11:00AM on Friday, August 22 at the First Presbyterian Church in Flandreau. The family will be present for visitation prior to the service at 10AM.

Charles was born on December 4, 1981, to Linda One Skunk Allen and Thomas R. Allen, Sr. He was the fifth child in a close-knit family and was welcomed by older siblings: Tom Jr., Mark, Jeanette, and Bruce. Charles later became the oldest of triplets alongside Richard and Howard, completing a strong bond of siblings grounded in love and support.

He began his education in Flandreau, later attending St. Joseph's Indian School in Chamberlain, followed by high school at Marty Indian School, Philip High School, and Riverside Indian School in California. Charles made lasting friendships everywhere he went, and his heart always stayed connected to his roots.

In 2007, Charles married Shyleea Eagles High Whiteman. Together, they were blessed with four beautiful children: Cheyenne Mercedes Lynn ("Squeaks"), Jessica Ray ("Peanut"), Charles John, Jr. ("Bubby") and Iggy Wilma.

Though Charles and Shyleea later separated, they remained devoted co-parents, raising their children with love, respect, and a deep sense of cultural pride.

A proud member of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, Charles carried with him the strength of generations-his great-grandparents having settled in Flandreau. He was also a descendant of the Mnicoujou band of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, with ancestral ties to Wounded Knee. His Dakota and Lakota identity were a core part of who he was and how he lived.

Charles was gifted with his hands and his heart. He loved sketching, carpentry, and anything that allowed him to learn and build. He found joy in simple pleasures-cruising around, listening to music, traveling, and spending time with his loved ones. He cherished his time with family and friends and will be remembered for his humor, warmth, and the deep love he gave so freely.

He is survived by his beloved children: Cheyenne, Jessica, Charles Jr., and Iggy; mother, Linda Allen; siblings: Tom Jr., Jeanette, Bruce, Richard,
and Howard; paternal uncle, Sam Allen, paternal aunts, Julia (Judy) Allen, Lavonna (Bunny) Allen, and Cynthia (Cyndi) Allen-Weddell; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family, all of whom he loved deeply. He also leaves behind relatives on the Cheyenne River Reservation, and countless friends who considered him family.

Charles was preceded in death by his father, Thomas R. Allen, Sr.; brother, Mark J. Allen, paternal uncles: Richard (Chuck) Allen, Val (Pete) Allen, Robert (Bobby) Allen, Clifford Allen, Howard (Howie) Allen; paternal aunt, Darlene Bernard; maternal uncle, Sam One Skunk, Jr.; grandparents, Raymond Allen and Laverne Redwing Allen; great-aunts and great-uncles: Leonard (George), Harold, Mae, Victoria, Nina, and Caroline; and great-grandparents: Charles Hollow Horn and Lucy Hollow Horn In Amongst, and Peter White Thunder and Josephine White Thunder One Skunk.

Charles will be remembered for his generosity, creativity, and deep love for his family. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the memories he created. He will be dearly missed but never forgotten.