Darrell Martin

A Wake: Tuesday, May 1, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at the St. Paul Mission Gym in Hays

Funeral Service: Wednesday, May 2, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Pauls Mission Gym in Hays

Interment: Martin Family Cemetery in Hays

Memorial Service: Friday, May 4, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at Mount Rushmore, Rapid City, SD.

Darrell Ray Martin was born on August 25, 1965 on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. He attended school in Hays, Montana. 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 3rd, 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 tourism-based businesses. They made friends with people all over the world. Everybody instantly loved Darrells friendliness, his sense of humor and how very fun he was. In December 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 grand-daughter, 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.

Darrell is survived by his wife, Zane Martin; his step-son, 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. He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Prune Martin. He is with him now and is in the Creators keeping.

A Wake will be held on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at the St. Paul Mission Gym in Hays. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 2, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Pauls Mission Gym in Hays. Burial will follow in the Martin Family Cemetery in Hays. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, at 10:00 a.m. at Mount Rushmore, Rapid City, SD. Condolences may be made to the family by visitingwww.stevensonandsons.com. Please send cards to: 165 Swiss Dr., Rapid City, SD 57702.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.