Elmer H. Weston, Ta Hocoka Wahbada Mani "In his center he walks in humility", 90, passed away Monday, September 26, 2011 at his home. Elmer was born April 12, 1921 on the Santee Reservation in a church manse at Hobo Creek, NE to Amos and Sophie (Wells) Weston. He attended Spafford Grade School in Flandreau, Pipestone Indian Boarding School and the Flandreau Indian School. Elmer married Vera Heminger on April 30, 1948 at Wheaton, MN. He worked all over the Midwest as a mason and belonged to the Brick Layers Association of Windom, MN. Elmer worked for Green Thumb until he retired. His wife preceded him in death on July 19, 1976. Elmer was a member of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe. He served his people when he was elected to the tribal council in the 1950's, 1970's, and in the 1980's when he was the FSST Tribal Chairman for a total of 13 years.

Elmer is survived by four children, DuWayne Weston, Doreen (Bill) Bird, Sheryl Weston and Cindy Weston, all of Flandreau; 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson on the way; one sister Virginia Weston and one brother Dale Weston, both of St. Paul, MN. Elmer was preceded in death by his wife Vera; three sons, Kenny, Lindsay and David; and one daughter Sharon.

Funeral services will be 1:00 pm Friday, September 30, 2011 at Eastman Hall, Flandreau with burial in the First Presbyterian Cemetery. Visitation begins at 3:00 pm Wednesday at Eastman Hall with a 7:00 pm prayer service both Wednesday and Thursday nights with all night wakes.