Funeral service for Sampson DeMarrias Jr. 71, of New Effington, SD will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2018 at 2:00P.M. at the Lake Traverse District Center, Browns Valley, SD with Fr. Charles Chan and the Episcopal Lay Readers officiating. Pallbearers will be Michael White, Winston Eastman, William DeMarrias, Thomas DeMarrias, Lance DeMarrias and Corey DeMarrias. Honorary Pallbearers will be Alex Heminger, Barbra Heminger, Nathan Hill, Darrell S. Renville, Debbie DuMarce, Paula Cloud, Darwin James, Robert James, Ruth Hill, Willis Keoke, Ramona St. John, and Katie Hill. Interment will be in the St. John's Episcopal Cemetery, Browns Valley, SD. Wake services will be held on Thursday, July 19, 2018 and Friday, July 20, 2018 (all night) starting at 7:00 P.M. at the Lake Traverse District Center. The Cahill Funeral Chapel of Sisseton, SD is in charge of Arrangements.

Sam was born on January 8, 1947 in Sisseton, SD to Sampson DeMarrias and Fanchon Plume. He attended grade school at the Wahpeton Boarding School and then the Flandreau Indian School in Flandreau, SD. In Sam's younger days, he played softball. As he grew older he found an interest in drawing and oil painting. Sam enjoyed hunting with his brother and nephews who gave him the nickname "Sam Black." He was a sun dancer for 3 years. Sam passed away on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at Tekakwitha Living Center in Sisseton, SD surrounded by his family.

Sam is survived by his children, Belva White, Sampson J. White, Paul White, and Brian White; brothers, Earl DeMarrias, Dennis Brant, Ted King, and Cedric King; sisters, Faith Owens-DeMarrias, Brenda King, Wilma King, and Peggy King; grandchildren, Michael, Gage, and Paige White, and Dylan DuMarce; great grandchildren, Kaylee Drum and Ava Leigh White; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sampson DeMarrias and Fanchon Plume; a brother Darrell DeMarrias; and an infant daughter Stephanie DeMarrias.