Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at the Lower Brule Community Center in Lower Brule with burial in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery at Lower Brule, SD. Wake services will be 7:30 p.m., Sunday and Monday at the Lower Brule Community Center in Lower Brule, SD.

Anyone wishing to follow, the procession will leave from funeral home on Sunday at 12:00 p.m. (NOON)

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Vincent Battese Sr.

Icke' Waste – Simple Man

Wahachanka Waste – Pretty Shield

Vincent Battese Sr. was born on October 8, 1986, to Lucille Skunk-Marshall and Philip Battese Sr. A lifelong resident of Lower Brule, he attended Lower Brule Schools from Head Start through 7th grade, graduated 8th grade from Crow Creek Tribal School, and returned to Lower Brule for high school.

Vince had a lifelong love for basketball. As a child, he'd make hoops from wire hangers, string, or whatever he could find—when his ball was taken away, he'd make one out of rolled-up socks or gloves. He first played under Coach Doug White Bull and, during the 2001–2002 school year, was honored as a freshman with the All-Tourney jacket at the Lakota Nation Invitational. While attending Crow Creek Tribal Schools, he also received the Paul Harrison Jr. MVP Award at a tournament—an honor he carried with pride.

Even in elementary school, Vince stood out. His teacher, Mr. Keith Herman, would have him tutor other students after finishing his own work early and paid him $5 a week—his very first job. Vince loved helping others and was a natural at making friends. He was known for his humility, quick forgiveness, and easygoing nature. If he ever argued with someone, it rarely lasted more than a few minutes. He even taught his family a lot about the power of forgiveness. If you were lucky enough to call him a friend, you knew just how genuine he was.

Vince began dancing on the Powwow Trail at age three, joining his older bro Phil as a proud Traditional Dancer. He embraced his Lakota identity, never cutting his hair and wearing a long braid for protection. Often mistaken for a girl, he got into fights defending his identity as a young warrior—coming home with his hair messy and his ponytail to the side, but never his pride shaken. His sisters would braid his hair, and it had to be done right.

Vince met Clarissa Gonzales in 2003, and together they had two daughters: VinceAnne (born December 20, 2005) and Valerie (born December 17, 2008). In February 2011, Vince lost his beloved sister "Ona" in a car accident. She had been a constant support, especially in helping raise his daughters. He and Clarissa worked various jobs, while Ona—his sister and second mom—cared for their girls. Vince also made sure his nieces and nephews were supported and had a strong father figure in their lives. Vince also worked various other jobs including being a firefighter and mechanic.

On February 29, 2024, Vince became a grandpa, one of the best days of his life. He proudly embraced the role of "Papa Vince" to his grandson Drako.

Vince is survived by his daughters VinceAnne, Valerie, and Vannah Battese, Hillary Goodlow, Santana Gozales, and Taylee Skunk; his sons Tayshawn Battese, Darius LaRoche, Vincent Jr., and Vayden Battese; his grandson Drako; Special Nieces Jaimee Estes and Brittany Goodlow; his mother Lucille Skunk-Marshall and father Philip Battese Sr.; his brothers Philip Battese Jr. and Anthony Bad Horse; and his sisters Joelle, Camille, and June Battese, Bonnie Koster, Leslie Thompson, Lydia Skunk, and Beaulah Duran. He is also survived by his aunts, Cecile Battese, Ella Drapeau and Fedelia Skunk; his uncles Jarvis K. Skunk and Willie Johnson; and his grandmothers Irene Skunk (97) and Julia Yellow Robe (107).

Welcoming him to the spirit world are his beloved sisters Rayona "Ona" Battese and Miranda "Bren" Garcia-Huix; his brother Derek "Skin" Skunk; grandfathers Joseph P. Skunk and Philip Yellow Robe; uncles Joseph Wayne Skunk, Cleveland F. Skunk, and Paul Battese; aunts Beverly Skunk, Susan Skunk, Shannon Skunk, Melanie Ziegler, Cheryl Battese, Camille Yellow Robe, Bettye Jo Skunk, and Valerie Skunk. Stepfather Tim Marshall, and Cousins Glenda Skunk, Glen Skunk, Audone Duran, Josette W. Skunk, and Clinton Skunk.