Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at the Lower Brule Community Center in Lower Brule with burial in the Holy Comforter Episcopal Cemetery at Lower Brule, SD.  Wake services will be 7:00 p.m., Sunday and Monday at the Lower Brule Community Center in Lower Brule, SD.  

Emmett Richard (Booty) Sawalla 74, of Lower Brule SD passed away surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at the Sanford Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls SD.

Emmett was born September 10, 1953. 

Emmett, loving known as “Booty” was a gentle kind man who was always happy to make a new friend. Although he was deaf it never stopped him from communicating and telling others about his favorite things cars and cats. He had his own special way to communicate to the community. Always waving at everyone with a smile on his face. He loved his family very much, always welcoming his family home or when he seen them, with hugs. He never worked but always liked tinkering with tools. He lived most of his life in Lower Brule but went to school for the deaf in Sioux Falls SD. His disability never stopped him from getting out and doing the things he loved. His favorite spot was the casino. Our uncle, brother, grandpa, and friend will be greatly missed by all.

Emmett is preceded in death by his mother Maggie (Lever) BadHorse and father Joe Sawalla Sr., his bothers Lester, Jasper, Larry Eaglestar, sisters Pansy, Vivian Sawalla, Bernice, Velma, Rena BadHorse, his nephews Baby Tim Washington Sr., Quincy and Bryon Walks, grandsons Keenan Roth and Braven Glenn, and nieces Gayla BadHorse and Shelly High Elk and Lynette Laroche.

Emmett is survived by his siblings Clyde, Vera Sawalla, Barbara, Jennifer BadHorse, nieces: Blossom, Nancy, Lila, Dulcy, Margaret, Naomi, Ashley, Monique, Sheritha, Maggie, Rena, Nephews: Delbert, Cameron, Randall, Kendall Kenyon, Gerald, Emaryl, Trevor, Jasper, Basil, Josiah Cameron L., Grandkids Katrina, Kayla, Marissa, Jolee, Jolene, Gavin, Emilio, Scottie, Jalyn, Deven, Daymond, Dion, Dominic, Donvan, Demarah, Autumn, Kingsley, Beau Cedar, Bear, Carmoni, Arianna, Victor, Xavier, Braven, Juan, Kendrick, Carter, Amara, Dominic, Chasity, Delante, Aubria, Geralyn, Gerald 3rd, Basil Jr., Rose, Tamara, Ron Jr., Alan Jr., Cedric, Hope, Elkanah, Cassius, Emilia, Antonio, Bernice, Legacy, Norah, Dalon, Kaelanni, Xelia'Anna, Sabine, Roselind, Felix, Fayelee, Brycen, Kalvin, extended family EagleStar and including numerous friends and relatives too many to mention.