Elmer Sterling “Sonny” Red Eagle Sr went home to be with the Lord on November 11, 2020 at the Poplar Hospital.
Elmer Sterling was the oldest son born to Sterling E. Red Eagle and Mayme Ida Red Feather-Red Eagle on September 11, 1946. He grew up and attended school in Poplar, MT, where he would continue to live throughout his life.
He met the love of his life Deloris Ann Kirn in February of 1966. One year later, on February 8th, 1967 they were married and remained together for the next 48 years. From this union they had 5 children. Elmer Jr, Harvey, Jerome, Mayme, and Lawanda.
Sterling flourished in roles of duty. He served in the Marines and was deployed to fight in the Vietnam war, where he earned awards, including a Purple Heart.
After being discharged and spending some time adjusting to his new post war life, he went on to become a police officer, which he did for many years. After the need for a career change, he and his wife later opened the Red Eagle Second Hand store and became business owners.
Holding tight to their faith and to each other brought them through many trials and tribulations throughout their lives. In the early 2000’s after his wife had fought and won another long battle with cancer and he had faced his own health problems, they decided together to pursue an education to become ministers. They attended the Presbytery of the Minnesota Valley Ministries, where after two years, they had earned their right to be pastors. Together they pastored at the Red Eagle Memorial Presbyterian Church of Fort Kipp, MT.
Sterling was always a family man. He came from a big family and had a big family himself. He loved seeing all his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. After the passing of his wife in 2013, he even spent his last years caring for his great grandson Paul Jr. He was very special to Sterling.
Sterling was preceded in death by: wife: Deloris Red Eagle. Sons: Harvey Red Eagle, Jerome Red Eagle. Daughter: Mayme Red Eagle-Ayers. Grandson: Elmer Red Eagle III. Brothers: Timothy Red Eagle Sr, Dale Red Eagle, & Curtis Red Eagle Sr. Parents: Sterling E. Red Eagle & Mayme Red Feather-Red Eagle.
He is survived by: Siblings: Mary Pauline Boxer, Vern Red Eagle, Robert Red Eagle, Myron Red Eagle Sr, Frank Red Eagle Sr. and Rose Longee. Children: Lawanda Red Eagle, Elmer Red Eagle Jr., and Paul Red Eagle. Granddaughters: Tiffany (Chuck) Weinberger, Brittany Martell, Ali Ayers, Jasmyn Hall, Angela Red Eagle, Taniya Red Eagle, Nichelle Red Eagle, Alisha Red Eagle, Deanna Red Eagle. Grandsons: Aaron Ayers, Marcus Red Eagle, Duran Big Leggins, Darrell Hall Jr, Francis Crowe, and Theodore Youngman. Great grand son: Paul Red Eagle Jr. And several cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, too numerous too mention.
Due to COVID-19 guidelines we are asked to keep attendance at the services limited to 30 individuals. Masks are required for all public services.
Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.