William Vaughn Helper

William Vaughn Helper was born on June 30, 1947 at home in the community of Red Shirt Table to Peter and Lillian (Red Shirt) Helper. William made his journey to the Spirit World on July 26, 2023 at the Indian Health Services (I.H.S.) in Pine Ridge, SD.
William is survived by his companion, Erdine Red Ear Horse; sisters, Corrine (Helper) Janis and Darlene Helper; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete, Sr. and Lillie (Red Shirt) Helper; sisters, Geraldine Helper, Mary Helper, Helen Helper-Lodge; brothers, Peter Helper, Jr., Timothy Helper, and Ernest Helper; paternal grandparents, Samuel Helper and Mary Thunder Hawk-Helper; maternal grandparents, John Red Shirt and Mary Pumpkin Seed-Red Shirt.
Born William Vaughn Helper, he was known as Vaughn or "Vine" and he was the second older of nine children, during his formative years he attended Number Six Day School in the community of Drywood and then Loneman Elementary School (Isna Wica Owayawa) where he completed eighth grade and then transferred to Oglala Community School (OCS), where he attended high school.
He left OCS to train as a fire fighter and worked to obtain his General Education Degree (GED) as he would say "education was important". He served as fire fighter in the state of Oregon then moved to the state of California where he worked for some time before returning to his family in the Drywood Community.
He then worked for Isna Wica Owayawa for forty-two years in facilities and maintenance. During his time at Loneman he worked with many people and grew countless friendships with the staff there, as it was a family and community he loved.
Vaughn "Vine" remained in the Number Six community with family where he met Erdine, they been by each other's side until his sudden passing. To Erdine's children and family, he was affectionately known as "Papa Vaughn", he was at all the family events and functions where he was the one to bless the day, gathering and meal. He was raised a Presbyterian and had a strong sense of faith, he would tease, saying "I pray so I know I will go up there (heaven)".
He loved eating various foods, above all was his favorites deserts pies, rolls, or any other sweets. He appreciated being outdoors, was content to sit still and watch the breeze scatter the leaves or watch the traffic go by in the evening. He looked forward to going to the cultural gatherings and camping at different events, his two favorite places was Lame Deer Chief's Wacipi and Oglala Nation Wacipi. He believed in strengthening and preserving the cultural language and values, in his own quite way he shared with others his passion for education and life-long learning. He read every day, whether it was the local newspapers or a book. He would read the Lakota Country Times paper twice before he put it away. He shared his vast knowledge through visiting and sharing the history or the culture, community and nation teaching through the stories. As Lakota first language speaker he would often advise when words were needing translation from English to Lakota. Papa Vaughn was known as humble man and for his quiet demeanor, infinite patience and considered words. He has done so much good, the good from his life is quiet and steady. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.
Pallbearers will be Sam Ghost Bear, DeAnthony Jefferies, Brandon Helper, Jeffrey Brown, Jr., Russell Merdanian, Sr., Russell Merdanian, Jr., Vernon Short Bull, and Jay Helper.
Honorary pallbearers will be All Friends & Relatives.
Wake Services: One night wake starting at 4:30 PM, Thursday, August 3, 2023 at the Brother Rene Hall in Oglala, SD
Funeral Services: 10:00 AM, Friday, August 4, 2023 at the Brother Rene Hall in Oglala, SD
Officiating: Apostle Pedro Sharpfish
Traditional Lakota Services: To Be Announced
Burial Services: Makasan Presbyterian Cemetery, Oglala, SD
Arrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD