Willard Dallas Black Cat

Willard "Willie" Dallas Black Cat was born on May 18, 1953 in the Wakpamni Community near Batesland, SD to Joseph Black Cat and Angelina Fire Place. Willard made his journey to the Spirit World on February 22, 2023 at the Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City, SD.
Willie worked as a farmhand, security, and cook. His traditional elders include Henry & Leonard Crow Dog and many others. Willie learned ceremony songs from his uncle John Around Him and became a well-known singer at many Sundances. He was also a grass dancer and was on the original 1978 Longest Walk for Native Rights.
Willard is survived by the Two Lance Tiwahe, Running Shield Tiwahe, Broken Rope Tiwahe, Yellow Hair Tiwahe, siblings, Wendy (Kenny) Fire Place, Tammy (Brian), Carlene, Dave (Lynette), and Harold, Jr., (Robin) Crow, Burgess Bianas, Jr., Pete Plenty Wounds, Jr., Corby (Faith) Plenty Wounds, Harlow (Sonja) Plenty Wounds, Troy Plenty Wounds, Jody Plenty Wounds, Cindy Plenty Wounds, Jennifer Plenty Wounds, Randall Tayle, Manuel Tayle, Jr., Marsha Tayle, Michelle Tayle, Ruby Tayle, Raelene & Lloyd Bianas, Earlene Tayle, Robert Tayle, Loren Tayle, Randy Tayle, and Elton Tayle; hunka siblings, Cleve Her Many Horses, Janet Kroboth-Weber, Sandy Gola, Marshall DeBruhl, and Walter Fitzsimmons, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Willard was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Black Cat and Angelina Fire Place; and aunts, Victoria Fire Place-Bianas and Dorothy Plenty Wounds; uncle, Norman Fire Place; brothers, Manuel Tayle, Sr. and Ernest Tayle; maternal grandparents, Dallas & Christina (Two Lance) Fire Place; and paternal grandparents, John and Bessie (Imitates Dog) Black Cat.
Pallbearers will be Terry Two Lance, Harold Crow, Jr., Elgin Head, Steve Her Many Horses, Filmore He Crow, Jr., Donnie LeBeau, Sr., Wendell Bird Head, Harlow Plenty Wounds, Brian Starr, Frank Starr, Charlie Standing Bear, and Buzi Two Lance.
Honorary pallbearers will be Wilma Standing Bear & Family, Kelly Looking Horse & Family, Milo Yellow Hair & Family, Connie Yellow Hair, Loretta Yellow Hair & Family, Donald Yellow Hair, Rayford Featherman & Family, Ivis Long Visitor & Family, Brian & Tammy Starr, Frank Starr & Family, Gene "Popcorn" Tyon, Pete Fills Pipe, Korn Beane, Emilio Hard Heart, Jim Miller & Family, Ted Hamilton & Family, Harlow Plenty Wounds & Family, Jody Plenty Wounds & Family, Cindy Plenty Wounds & Family, Pete & Troy Plenty Wounds, Robert Two Crow, Bush & Gina Big Crow, Delane Has No Horse & Family, Ruby Tayle & Family, Erlene Tayle & Family, Lloyd & Rae Bianas, TC Cross & Family, Mike Cross & Family, Dwight Black Crow & Family, Eugene Black Crow, Waylon Black Crow & Family, Rick Grey Grass & Family, Rick Two Dogs & Family, Steve DuBray & Family, Sandy Two Lance, Connie LeBeau & Family, Ben & Alvina Feather Earring, Beverly Two Lance & Family, Wayne Weston, Priscilla Tail, Steve LaMont, Geneva Lone Hill & Family, Harriet & John Wilson, Doug Bissonette, Joseph Yellow Hair, Kenneth "Sonny Gun" Bianas, Vincent Two Lance, Jr., Courtney Two Lance, Sidney Has No Horse & Family, Sally O'Rourke & Family, All Spiritual Leaders, All Sundancers, and All Friends & Relatives.
Wake Services: One night wake service starting at 5:00 PM, Friday, March 3, 2023 at the Bill C. Bear School Gymnasium in Batesland, SD with evening services starting at 7:00 PM.
Funeral Services: 10:00 AM, Saturday, March 4, 2023 at the Bill C. Bear School Gymnasium in Batesland, SD
Officiating: Mother Michelle Dayton
Traditional Lakota Services: To Be Announced
Burial Services: Messiah Episcopal Cemetery, Wounded Knee, SD
Arrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD