Quentin "Wayomni Nunpa Pi Ka" Red Bear

Quentin James Red Bear was born on May 22, 1979, in Gordon, NE to Clement James Cross and Gloria Red Bear. Quentin made his journey to the Spirit World on January 13, 2026, at his residence near Allen, South Dakota.

Quentin "Sonny Boy" Red Bear was born in 1979 to James Cross and Gloria Red Bear. He was the oldest of many siblings and carried that role with pride, responsibility, and love. Quentin was raised traditional in every sense of the word. He was baptized in the Native American Church, was in the Sundance circle every year, honoring his prayers, his people, and the Creator. From a young age, he was always around the powwow drum, attending every powwow he could, where his voice and presence became known and loved by many.

He proudly called Allen home, "ATown, Home of the Champions", and the home of the Native American Church, as he would tell anyone who would listen. He would tease that it was the poorest place in the country, then laugh and follow it up by saying it was also the most beautiful place, with the most beautiful people and culture. His pride for where he came from never wavered.

Quentin's greatest passion was the youth. He believed deeply in passing knowledge down. He gave his time and heart to teaching songs and their meanings, coaching handgames, teaching the Lakota language, and coaching basketball. He understood that culture survives when it is shared, and he made it his life's work to ensure the next generation carried it forward. He lived everyday like it could be his last. Even with his diagnosis of diabetes, Quentin never let it slow him down. He continued to travel the powwow trail with his good friends. He believed in enjoying life fully, even if it meant spending his last dollar on good food, good company, and good laughs. Above all, Quentin loved his children deeply. He spoke of them every day, always with pride. He baby- talked to them from the moment they were born and never stopped, a reflection of the tenderness and love he carried for them in his heart.

If you saw Quentin, you likely saw him at the drum, singing for a loved one, singing for the little ones, or singing for the elders. His voice carried prayers, laughter, and love into every circle he entered. His passion for culture, the Lakota language, and traditional songs will continue to live on through the many lives he touched.

Quentin "Sonny Boy" Red Bear leaves behind a legacy of laughter, generosity, teaching, and song. His presence held the circle. His voice carried the people. His legacy remains.

Quentin is survived by his children, Itancan Olowan, Zoe Wocekiya Red Bear, Tanksi Kiya, Oniya Tokahey Win, Zaniyan Win Red Bear, Marissa, Machela, and Jonas Bear Heels; his siblings, Amber, Trevor, Dave, Ohinniyan Red Bear, Felecia Bull Bear, Chant and Cordell Cross, Chris Red Bear, Francis, John Attack Him, and Justin "Doc" Poor Bear; his grandson, Silas Cottier and Akicita Hakikita Horse Looking, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Quentin was preceded in death by his "Granny" Darlene Poor Bear, Elaine Poor Bear, Clara Poor Bear; uncles, Myron "Blue" Cross, Ron Cross; cousin, Lavern Curry, and Jay Doyle; niece, Rylea Poor Bear; family, Albert L. Red Bear, Christine S. Crow Dog, William Darrel Red Bear, Benard Manuel Red Bear, Kenneth Gilbert Red Bear, Arrow Red Bear, Christina Fool Bull, Wiconi Waste Win Little Thunder, Mato Luta Win, Samuel Yellow Hawk, Lyndsey Yellow Hawk

Pallbearers will be Ted Phelps, BJ Brave Heart, Melvin Young Bear, Miguel Marrufo, Steve DuBray, Jr., Timothy Cross, Roger Mills, Heath Fool Bull, Jr., Willard Fool Bull, Jr., John Attack Him, Novi Runs Above

Honorary pallbearers will be Stacy Makes Good, East Wind Casino, American Horse School and Staff, Bennett County School District, OST Diabetes Program, Oglala Sioux Tribe, Rob Cotten & Family, Oglala Lakota College, Trejo Family, Red Bear Family, Crow Dog Family, Fool Bull Family, Dialysis Management Group, Allen Youth Center, OST CHR Program, Drum Groups, Little Fox, Pass Creek, Wambli Teca, Eagle Nest, Morning Wood, Black Lodge, Midnight Express, NDN Express, Showtime, Eagle Mountain, Creekside, Porcupine Singers, Munchiez, Thithunwan Wellness, Loafers Dispensary, Smokies, John "Binky" DuBray & Family, Steve DuBray & Family, Santee Witt & Family, Cross Fire Place, Half Moon, Straight Fire, Gus Yellow Hair & Family, Oglala Nation Powwow, Paul & Thomas Never Misses A Shot, Monument Hospital, Pine Ridge I.H.S., Sanford Hospital Bismarck, ND, Avera Health in Sioux Falls, SD, Yellow Bird, Plenty Arrows Family, Sitting Bear Family, Craig Dillon & Family, Meison Family, Lone Wolf Family, Poor Bear Family, Cross Family, Mary Jane Goggles, Naca Charging Crow & Family, Vasquez Family, Respects Nothing Family, Faith Richards & Family, Ace No Braid & Family, Garfield Steele & Family, Preston Lenoir, Jack Silverman, Bones & All Spotted Horse Sundance Relatives, Keller Allen, and All his relationships, and the many many friends and relatives we may have missed.

Visitation Services: Visitation services will be held at 3:00PM, Thursday, January 22, 2026 at the Quentin Red Bear Residence, north of Allen, SD

Wake Services: Two night wake service starting at 6:00 PM, Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the American Horse School in Allen, South Dakota. Native American Church services will be held Friday evening, January 23, 2026, at the American Horse School.

Funeral Services: 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the American Horse School in Allen, South Dakota

Eyapaha: Mr. Melvin Young Bear

Officiating: Pastor Tim Wardell

Traditional Lakota Services: Mr. Steve DuBray

Native American Church Services: Mr. Kirk Fool Bull

Burial Services: Spotted Horse Family Cemetery at the Spotted Horse Family Sundance Grounds, near Allen, South Dakota

Arrangements entrusted with the Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD