Everett "Sandy" Andrew Weston

Everett “Sandy” Andrew Weston, 78, of Flandreau, SD, passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

The first night of wake will take place on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at Eastman Hall in Flandreau. A meal will take place at 5:00 PM with wake service to follow. This time will be dedicated to Sundance Singers and Dancers.

The second night of wake will take place on Sunday, August 2, 2026 at Eastman Hall in Flandreau, SD. A meal will take place at 5:00 PM followed by a Traditional hour of Dakota Service. A Military roll call will follow.

The funeral service will take place on Monday, August 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the William J. Janklow Community Center, followed by burial at First Presbyterian Cemetery in Flandreau, SD. Family and friends are invited to a luncheon following the burial service at The William J. Janklow Community Center.

Everett "Sandy" Andrew Weston was born on October 21, 1947, in Bloomfield, Nebraska, to Andrew Artemus Weston and Violet Edna James.

Sandy attended Shattuck-St. Mary's Military Preparatory School before graduating from Cheyenne Eagle Butte High School in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, in 1966. He continued his education at Western Vo-Tech in Sturgis/Fort Meade, South Dakota, earning an Associate of Arts degree in Carpentry in 1982. He later graduated from Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1986.

In 1974, Sandy married Belva Jean (Estes) Weston in Lower Brule, South Dakota. The couple later renewed their marriage in Flandreau, South Dakota, in 2002.

Throughout his life, Sandy called many places home, including Santee, Nebraska; Aberdeen, Eagle Butte, Rapid City, Red Scaffold, and Flandreau, South Dakota; San Diego, California; Anchorage, Alaska; Bozeman, Montana; Wagner, South Dakota; and Neah Bay, Washington.

Sandy proudly served his country in the United States Army after being drafted in 1967. He completed two tours of duty in Vietnam, serving on the ground during his first tour and as a helicopter door gunner during his second. For his courageous service, he received the Purple Heart for wounds received in action, the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while participating in aerial flight, and two Air Medals recognizing both heroism and meritorious achievement during aerial flight.

Following his military service, Sandy dedicated his career to education as an Industrial Arts teacher and girls' and boys' basketball coach at Flandreau Indian School. He also served his tribe as a trustee on a previous Tribal Council before his retirement.

Grandpa was a spiritual, loving, and compassionate human being. He respected and enjoyed prayer. He loved spending time with his family and grandkids, and they affectionately called him "Grandpa Uber" because he was always willing to give rides to their events. He loved attending all of his grandchildren's events, birthdays, and celebrations and was proud of his family, friends, and community.

As an Industrial Arts teacher, Sandy loved woodworking and enjoyed taking on multiple personal projects throughout his retirement. Anyone who knew him usually knew what he was working on because he loved sharing the progress of each project and how long it would take to finish. He enjoyed meeting new people and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone, genuinely enjoying everyone's company.

Sandy also enjoyed watching all types of sports, from high school athletics to college basketball, college football, Olympic competitions, and especially his beloved Minnesota Vikings. He appreciated not only the games themselves but also the techniques and technical aspects of the sport. He was a member of the Gordon Weston Indian Veterans Post, enjoyed working on cars as a hobby, and loved his people and his Dakota ways.

Sandy is survived by his wife, Belva Weston of Flandreau; his brother, James "JB" Weston of Flandreau; his children, Joshua Weston of Flandreau, Gabriel Weston of Flandreau, Andrew (Christin) Weston of Flandreau, Rebecca Weston of Flandreau, and Sarah Weston of Flandreau; his grandchildren, Michael (Rylie) Weston, Cree Cartwright-Weston, Sage Weston, Arianna Weston, Wicanhpi Sakowin Weston, Mahpiya Wicasta Weston, Inkpa Zi Weston, and Joshua Weston Jr.; and his great-grandchild, AigLaLaziwin Weston.

He was preceded in death by his father, Fr. Andrew A. Weston; his mother, Violet E. James; his sister, Myrna F. Weston; and his brother, Michael S. Weston.