Floyd "Sonny" Hand

Floyd Josephe Star Buffalo Hand, "Sonny Boy" 42, Phoenix, AZ, formerly of New Town, ND and Pine Ridge, SD, died Monday, April 28, 2025, in Arizona.
Family and Friends Gathering: Sunday, May 11, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. at Langhans Funeral Home, Parshall
Wake: Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 5 p.m. at Thomas Johnny Bird Veterans Memorial Hall, Four Bears Segment, New Town
Funeral: Monday, May 12, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Thomas Johnny Bird Veterans Memorial Hall, Four Bears Segment, New Town
Burial: Immaculate Conception Cemetery, rural White Shield
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Floyd Joseph Star Buffalo Hand was born on August 16, 1982, in Winnipeg, Canada, while his family was visiting for a powwow. Nicknamed "Sonny Boy," Floyd was an enrolled member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation. His mother, Ardel Jean Baker, was Arikara and was adopted into the Prairie Chicken Clan. His father, Floyd Hand Jr., was Oglala Lakota Sioux. Sonny was given the traditional name Star Buffalo, or Pté Wícahpí, in the Oglala Lakota Sioux language.
Sonny was part of a blended family and divided his time between his parents' homes. He lived in New Town, North Dakota with his mother and siblings. He attended Head Start, where he began his early education under his aunt, Shirley Smith, and was crowned "King of Hearts."
Sonny also lived with his father (Até) and received his education in St. Paul, Minnesota. He attended the Red School House and the American Indian Magnet School, where he served as the first School Ambassador in 3rd grade.
In 1993, Sonny moved with his father's family to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. He attended Pine Ridge Elementary, Middle School, and High School. He took his beloved aunt, Zona, as his date to his senior prom. Sonny graduated from Pine Ridge High School in 2001, excelling in football and wrestling.
He loved the WWF; his favorite wrestler was Sid Vicious. When he was in grade school, he attended a WWF match. WWF wrestler Cactus Jack spotted him in the audience and pretended to chase Sonny throughout the arena. He also loved the Minnesota Vikings and Mexican food.
Sonny's parents instilled in him traditional values and practices. He was baptized as a Catholic and maintained a spiritual outlook throughout his life. He developed compassion for people living on the streets, often receiving dollar bills from his Até, which he would give to those less fortunate. Additionally, he frequently brought home cousins and classmates who needed a hot meal or a warm bed for the night. While growing up, Sonny participated in numerous nonviolent direct actions with the American Indian Movement in the region, advocating for Native American rights and environmental protection, inspired by his father's active involvement in the movement.
Sonny had a passion for travel and enjoyed discovering new places. He made friends easily and loved engaging in conversations with anyone he met. His family often traveled to attend powwows. Initially, Sonny participated as a grass dancer, then transitioned to being a traditional dancer, and eventually became a Sundancer for several years. His traditional values had a significant impact on his life. At the age of 17, he was inducted into the Ca té Wašaké Society and became a sash wearer. He was also a pipe carrier.
Floyd Joseph Star Buffalo Hand was a kind-hearted man who loved being an uncle and had a playful spirit. Several years ago, he experienced a significant personal transformation that changed the course of his life. This shift in mindset allowed him to find peace on his recovery journey. He detailed this paradigm shift in a letter to his sisters. Floyd passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025, at an assisted living facility in Arizona. We will remember him with love.
Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, Ardel Jean Baker (Thomas Crows Heart Sr.) and Floyd Hand Jr.; maternal grandparents, May Howard Coffey and Adrian Baker; uncles, Bion Baker, Randall Coffey, Irby Hand, and Elton Hand; aunts, Avis Mayer, Frances Baker, Melissa Boepple, Susann Coffey Bolkan, Mary Ann Red Cloud, Zona Fills The Pipe, and Sadie Janis; nephews, Tristan Thundercloud and Brandon Thundercloud; special sister, Two Stars; brothers, Lane Randall and Thomas Embry.
He is survived by his sisters, Lisa Thundercloud and Dyan Fox; brothers, Bryan Thundercloud (Janelle) and Melvin Hale (Geneva); nieces and nephews, Adrian Johnson, Mykal and Nicole Drosdal, Ian Thundercloud, Tamara, Brooklyn, Zoe May, DuWayne, and Drex Fox; Chloe, Mathew, Tristan, Troy, Tabias, and Mathias Hale; aunts, Glenda Embry, Judith Danks (Marty), Mary Coffey, and Jeanette Coffey; uncle, Peter Coffey III (Deb); grandchildren, Mya, Quentin, Adriene, Ayden, Lola May, and Emma; siblings, Gayla Rose Bordeaux Kapulé, Barry Frantum Hand, Cody (Guy) Berg, Rachael Hand (Josh) Munguia, and Canté Maza (Ieisha) Hand, and Brianna Sutta; and stepmother, Natalie Hand.