Funeral services for Tayshawn Battese, 22, of Lower Brule, SD will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday, August 21, 2025 at the Lower Brule Community Center in Lower Brule, SD.  Wake services will be 8:00 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday at the Lower Brule Community Center in Lower Brule, SD.

Anyone wishing to follow, the procession will leave from funeral home on Tuesday at 3:00 p.m.

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"Wahinkpe – Arrow"

Tayshawn Miquel Eugene Battese

September 3, 2003 – August 11, 2025

Tayshawn Miquel Eugene Battese, 21 was born September 3, 2003, to Twyla "June" Battese and Shawn Parker at Avera Queen of Peace in Mitchell, South Dakota.

Tayshawn was a lifelong resident of Lower Brule was raised in his grandma Lucille's home alongside his siblings Jamiee Leigh, Brittany, Elijah, Hillary, VinceAnne, Juliana, Valerie and Kofi. Growing up, he didn't have much, but he always made it work – and if he had a game system and the boys around, he was always chilling on good vibes.

Tayshawn attended school at Lower Brule, from Headstart to 8th Grade. During elementary Tayshawn was a part of T.A.G (Talented and Gifted) because he was a Traditional Dancer and sang around the drum with Jeshua Estes and the Youth Lakota Drum Group. He went to Crow Creek Tribal Schools for Freshmen Year and then graduated high school from Lower Brule in 2023.  Thank you to all the people who helped him accomplish this and encouraged him to participate in sports, which helped him stay in school.

During his senior year of high school, Tayshawn had to work hard getting his body and mind right. He was ready to prove himself and that he did; Tayshawn helped lead his team to the 2022 All Nations Football Championship where he was awarded Defensive Player of the Year and to a 2023 State Class B Basketball Runner-Up

Off the field, he was the biggest teddy bear – a gentle giant with the biggest heart. He loved his nieces and nephews fiercely and was always ready to watch them anytime or anywhere. That was Grizz, laughter, loyalty, and love to give. He will leave his mark, smile, and spirit with all his relatives and friends.

Tayshawn recently moved to Sioux Falls where he was working at Josiah's Café and at Amazon as warehouse worker. He loved being in Sioux Falls to be close to his Auntie Camille and his brothers Julius, Jarius, GIO, and RJ. During this time, Tayshawn made friends everywhere he went including at work, and Great Life (playing ball or working out).

Tayshawn had a few father figures in his life; one was Maverick Moore who passed away from cancer in February 2021.

Tayshawn also had two special mentors and people in his life they were John Beheler who tied his feather when Tayshawn received his Lakota Name and Misty Wolf Necklace who tied the plumes for his sisters.

Tayshawn is survived by his girlfriend Joella Reuer; parents June Battese and Shawn Parker; Sisters Jaimee Leigh Estes, Brittany and Hillary Goodlow, VinceAnne, Valerie, and Vannah Battese, Juliana and Joliegh Laroche; Brothers Jayton Spider, Elijah Battese, Julius Moore, Jarius, Giovani and RJ Battese, and Kofi Estes; Hunka Brother Lane Gray; Grandmothers Lucille Skunk-Marshall, Ella Drapeau and Fedelia Skunk; Grandfathers Philip Battese Sr. and Jarvis K. Skunk; Uncles Philip Battese Jr., and Anthony Bad Horse; Aunties Joelle and Camille Battese, Bonnie Koster, Leslie Thompson, Lydia Skunk, and Beulah Duran; Great-Grandmothers Irene Skunk (97) and Julia Yellow Robe (107).

Welcoming him to the spirit world are his beloved Aunties Rayona "Ona" Battese, Miranda "Bren" Garcia-Huix, Josette W. Skunk, and Glenda Skunk; Uncles Vincent A. Battese Sr. (Unc), Derek "Skin" Skunk, Glen Skunk, Audone Duran, and Clinton Skunk; Stepfather Ellsworth "Houndy" Laroche; Grandfathers Tim Marshall, Joseph Wayne Skunk, Cleveland F. Skunk, and Paul Battese. Grandmothers Beverly Skunk, Susan Skunk, Shannon Skunk, Melanie Ziegler, Cheryl Battese, Camille Yellow Robe, Bettye Jo Skunk, and Valerie Skunk; Great-grandfathers Joseph P. Skunk and Philip Yellow Robe.; Great-Great Grandparents Obed and Florence (Fire Thunder) Eagle Thunder and January and Lucy (Arrow) Skunk.