DARRELL RAY MARTIN obituary

FORT BELKNAP A wake was held for Darrell Ray Martin, 41. Tuesday, May 1, 2007, at 7 p.m. at the St. Paul Mission Gym in H a y s .

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 2, 2007, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul's M i s s i o n Gym in H a y s . Burial will follow in the Martin Family Cemetery in Hays. A memorial service will be held Friday, May 4, 2007, at 10 a.m. at Mount Rushmore in Rapid City, S.D. Darrell Ray Martin was born on Aug. 25, 1965 in Fort Belknap. He attended school in Hays. After he graduated from high school he traveled and worked various jobs. He married Rhonda Geboe and had a daughter, Amanda Rae, he treasured in 1988. For several years he worked for Zortman- Landusky Mining Company. In 1990 he and Rhonda divorced. While working as a teacher in Hays, Zane and Darrell met. They married in a private ceremony on July 3, 1991. Darrell was a “go-getter” and didn't hesitate to take on new challenges. He worked as the tourism directory, vice-president and president of Fort Belknap Tribes and he served on many boards nationally. He and Zane owned and operated tourismbased businesses. They made friends with people all over the world. Everybody instantly loved Darrell's friendliness, his sense of humor and how very fun he was. In Dec. of 2004, he was offered a fabulous position with the National Park Service. With the park service, he worked as the American Indian Liaison for the Lewis and Clark Trail during the bicentennial. He thought it was very important for the American Indian story to be told and heard. With all his endeavors he put his whole heart into it. With his health problems, he was glad to be able to just be stationed at Mount Rushmore. He loved all of Mount Rushmore, the staff and the visitors. He was the assistant chief of interpretation and the American Indian Liaison for the National Parks Midwest Region. Darrell was very proud of his personal family, Zane, J.D. and Amanda. He was thrilled about his new little granddaughter, Kaylee Rose. As great as his interest and energy were, his love for his family was just as immense. Darrell never met a stranger; he was very giving; and truly had a presence greater than this life on Earth. He left us very young, but he was ancient in his travels and good deeds that he did for others. He knew and was very proud of his Indian culture and ways. He was preceded in death by his father, Harold “Prune” Martin. Darrell is survived by his wife, Zane Martin; his stepson, J. D. French; his daughter, Amanda Rae Martin Bear Comes Out and her husband Jordan and their daughter Kaylee Rose; his mother, Margaret June Martin; three brothers, Stan, Gerald and Harold Martin; two sisters, Fern and Aretha Martin; his father and mother-in-law, Freeman and Barb Peabody; a brother-in-law, Shane (Jennifer) Peabody and numerous nieces and nephews. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting http://www.stevensonandsons.com. Please send cards to: 165 Swiss Dr., Rapid City, SD 57702. Memorials may be made to the charity of ones choice.