Clyde Spencer Eagle

Clyde Spencer Eagle embarked on his journey to the spirit world on July 24, 2025. Born to Felix and Alvina Eagle on August 6,1949 in the small town of Wakpala on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. During his early childhood Clyde's family built a log cabin with a roof made of prairie sod, which they built themselves on Felix's allotted land, which was wild prairie grass and square-topped buttes as far as they could see. Paved roads and electricity were conveniences of the future, and everyone for miles around hauled water from the public pump in Wakpala. Reliable motor vehicles were in short supply, but there were horses, and Clyde was born to ride. He started school near Wakpala at St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Mission boarding school. Later the church sent him to Patterson Preparatory School for Boys in Lenior, North Carolina for middle school. Plenty books, no horses, so he made do with Western adventures through the eyes of Zane Grey. Years later Larry McMurtry vied for first choice, but Clyde's tattered Riders of the Purple Sage was his first love. Nostalgia often brought him to country gospel music, and he hummed the timeless melodies of Patsy Cline and George Strait even when Credence Clearwater Revival and the college girl from the East started coaxing him onto the dance floor. He was working as a ranch hand when met his future wife, Kathleen Pierson, in 1969 at St. Elizabeth's Mission, where she spent the summer as a church volunteer and he worked as a ranch hand. Their meeting marked the beginning of a life-long journey. A true cowboy at heart, Clyde relished the camaraderie of local rodeos, finding joy in calf roping, team roping, bronc and bull riding. Eight years down the road he'd have his own corral on his own ranch in the Dakotas, where friends and family would gather for round-ups and calf branding, big feeds and festive story-telling with plenty of Indian humor, good-natured teasing, and raucous laughter. But first he had his generation's duty to perform. The first national draft lottery drew him into the US Army in the spring of 1970. Clyde would say with a smile, "I signed up late because I couldn't get a ride." The bus to Fort Leonard Wood, MO took care of that problem. When basic training was over, he returned to Standing Rock and St. Elizabeth's to add Eagle to Kathleen Pierson's name, launching their marriage of more than 54 earth-time years, beginning with Clyde posted in South Korea while his wife began her teaching career at Standing Rock. Clyde was a life-long learner. After military service he worked as a crew leader with the new Standing Rock Housing program, improving his skills on with every task, from building desperately needed houses in Indian Country to tackling honey-do projects with a generous dose of cowboy ingenuity. He learned from the elders, mentored youngsters, helped his neighbors, focused on the need for modern housing for the people in his community. Seven years as a full-time cattle rancher, husband, father of three young children and part-time student was challenging, but with the G.I. bill and a helpful extended family, Clyde became a proud member of the first graduating class of Standing Rock Community College (now Sitting Bull College) and he earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Dakota. He became an Adult Education Teacher in Ft Yates, ND, helping countless students earn their GED. Something had to go, and after seven years he chose to sell the ranch and move to Bismarck. He worked at the United Tribes Technical Center as a consultant for a Title V program, which gave educational workshops for public schools across six states before being recruited by the Minneapolis School District to teach at the new Four Winds Magnet School. There he inspired taught math to urban students for over 20 years, earning the honor of Minnesota Middle School Teacher of the Year. After retiring from teaching, Clyde enjoyed a brief period of relaxation before channeling his building knowledge and teaching skills into a new career at his local Home Depot store. What started as a part-time endeavor transformed into a nearly 20-year journey as a plumbing associate, where he formed tight bonds with staff and consumers, always ready with humor, encouragement, and the ability to empower anyone to tackle their projects fearlessly. Clyde was a proud warrior of the Hunkpapa band of Lakota Sioux, living by the core Lakota values of Generosity, Respect, Fortitude, and Wisdom. He exuded generosity, whether through tangible acts or the gift of his time and knowledge to those eager to learn. Clyde had a remarkable ability to engage in meaningful conversations, even when language barriers existed, always finding ways to communicate. His respectful nature allowed him to form deep connections easily, living the Lakota way seeing people as "All My Relatives." Mitákuye Oyás'iŋ. Clyde died suddenly and unexpectedly on his day off--a Thursday morning--just as he would have wished-quietly, without fuss or muss. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Felix and Alvina (Richard) Eagle, along with his brothers: Phillip Eagle, Sr., Francis William Eagle, Felix (Glen) Eagle, and Theophil (Ted) Eagle, and sisters: Leola Jane Saye, Delores Buffalo, Belva Eagle, and Lillian Zahn, Phyllis McKee, Rona Lynda Black Elk, Barbara Eagle. He helped many nieces and nephews start their journey home over the years so they could make a place for him beyond the ridge where the relatives have welcomed him home with a feast, the drums, the dance and a field of good paint horses waiting for him to start his next ride. He is survived by his wife Kathleen Eagle, daughter Elizabeth Eagle, sons David (Shauna) Eagle, and Christopher Eagle, grandchildren Piper, Kraya and Raiden; brother Chandler Eagle and sister, Bernadine Jean Eagle. The family will host a gathering at Glen Haven Chapel in Crystal, Minnesota, on Thursday, July 31, from 4-7 PM. A short program will begin at 5:00 to welcome guests and share cherished memories. In the spirit of generosity, the family invites visitors to bring a story that reflects their experiences with Clyde. His local extended family of friends, neighbors, customers, and coworkers significantly enriched his life, and we aim to fill the room with his vibrant spirit, honoring the moments he created with each of us. Clyde will journey home to the land of the Hunkpapa, where he will be honored with ceremonies at St. Elizabeth's Mission on Monday, August 4, 2025. His ashes will be carried by horse riders to the beat of native drummers during his final ceremonies. The family will gather at the gravesite to sing, dance, and celebrate the incredible life he lived and the lasting gifts he bestowed upon us. His ashes will be set free to the wind as a rider releases them on the way to the hills-a cowboy's final ride home.

Tributes

Clyde Spencer Eagle

August 6, 1949 - July 24, 2025

Tributes

Clyde Spencer Eagle

August 6, 1949 - July 24, 2025

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