Morris Vern Tattoo, Sr., age 83 of Wolf Point, MT died at his home, Tuesday, December 30, 2008, after a battle with cancer.
He was born February 22, 1925 in Wakpala, SD, a son of the late James Tattoo and Imelda McLean. He had three brothers and two sisters who all preceded him in death.
Morris was raised by his grandmother in the Ft. Yates area and attended schools in Ft. Yates, Pierre, S.D. and two years of college.
He enlisted in the US Army and served during WWII and Korean Wars. One war experience he cherished and shared stories about being assigned at chauffer Robert Mitchum and Jimmy Stewart around during the filming of one of their movies. After the war he began a career as a rodeo cowboy riding bulls in the PRCA circuit, telling stories of riding in the salt Palace and Madison Square Garden.
Morris met Dolly Bear Cub and they were married in Coeur D’Alene, ID. And they made their home in Wolf Point, MT. and to this union they had seven children.
He worked for the Wolf Point school district as a bus driver and home School Coordinator, Kenco refinery, operated his own tree trimming and wood cutting service.
He enjoyed horse racing, bingo, playing cards, raising, training and selling horses. Most of all he enjoyed his grandchildren. Teaching Brock Tee and Easton how to groom, and set a horse the right way. He lived for their games, cheering them on at baseball, football and basketball. He even played a few rounds of golf in order to give them some tips. And riding around in his pickup with Lil Easton jamming out on country western tunes. He enjoyed going to check on the horses, cows and getting a load of wood with his son Morris, Jr.
Survivors include: Morris Tattoo, Jr. of the family home, children Mayme (Glen) Wise, Eldorado, KS, Melda, (Keeler) Hopkins, Lake Andes, SD; Eugene Tattoo, Wolf Point, MT; La Fon Copenhaver, Wolf Point, MT; one sister Theresa Cadot, Wakpala, SD.
Grandchildren: Winter, Jarid Courchene , Tosh, Tarise, Keeler, Jr., Dustyn, and Skye Hopkins, Dolly and Carly Tattoo, Brock Tee, Easton Copenhaver.
He was preceded in death by his wife Dolly Tattoo; two sons Roy and Harvey; his mother and father; three brothers and sisters.
An evening memorial service will be held Monday, January 5, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel.
The funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel, Wolf Point, MT. The Elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints will officiate the service. Interment will follow at the Presbyterian Cemetery, Oswego, MT.
Condolences to the family may be sent to www.stevensonandsons.com. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.