Thomas Alan LeBeau – Itówapi Káǧa Ómani (Traveling Artist) was born to Gilbert and Marcella Ryan LeBeau on February 4, 1956 in Mobridge, SD and started his journey to the star nation on May 2, 2024 in Rapid City, SD.
Tom was the fifth child of Gilbert and Marcella. At a young age, Tom displayed a knack for artistry, particularly in drawing. His skill with a pencil or brush earned admiration, especially for his depictions of horses and eagles, which his mother fondly remembered as beautiful.
Alongside his artistic pursuits, Tom excelled in 4-H, earning accolades in horsemanship with purple and blue ribbons. Tom also enjoyed playing guitar and was seen often playing it in downtown Rapid City.
After graduating from Cheyenne Eagle Butte High School, Tom embarked on journeys to California and Arizona before ultimately settling back in Rapid City, SD. The travel extraordinaire and lifelong NARP member was one of NARP’s ambassadors. Throughout his travels, his artistic passion remained constant, with much of his time dedicated to creating and sharing his beautiful art with friends and loved ones.
Beyond his artistic talent, Tom was known for his caring nature. He looked after others, and in return, received the same care and support from his community. Tom would lighten any situation with funny, lighthearted banter. His ability to bring laughter and joy to those around him added to his charm and endeared him to his community. In addition to his artistic talent, he had a great sense of humor. He would like to call his friends and loved ones on the phone and refer to himself as “Boscoe Boiling Meat,” “Spike,” “Stanley,” “Clint Black” and “Luke Warm Water.”
Tom’s great sense of humor and his caring nature added to the rich tapestry of his identity, illustrating the depth and diversity of his relationships and the affection with which he was regarded by those who knew him best. His legacy lives on not only through his artwork but also through the impact he made on those around him.
Tom is survived by daughters: Heather R. LeBeau, Eagle Butte; Dawn E. LeBeau, Eagle Butte; Wyoma Waters, Sioux Falls; Sunrise Runs After, Lake Elmo, MN; sisters: Diane (Bob) Booth, Ridgeview; Gerri LeBeau, Rapid City, Kathy (Nial High Hawk) LeBeau, and Donna LeBeau, both of Eagle Butte; grandchildren: Ashten Ganje, Anjali Knife, Preslyn Dupris, Aysah Dupris, Adina Waters, and Adrius Waters and many beloved nieces, nephews, and other family.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Gilbert and Marcella LeBeau; Great-grandparents: Johnson and Eudora LeBeau, Joseph and Florence Ryan; sister Bonnie; brothers Daniel (Chris Maybee) and Richard; Uncles Eugene, Mike, Leo, Alec, Elmo, Art, Barney, Frank, Sib, and Freddie; Aunts: Johanna, Marie, Rose, Arlene, and Ramona; nieces: Julia Shannon LeBeau, Marcella Booth, and Felicia Farmer; nephews: Faron and Emmitt LeBeau.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Sonja Holy Eagle, Melanie Timm, and the Hope Center for their exceptional support and kindness extended to our relative.
A Celebration of Life for Tom was held on May 18, 2024 at noon MST at On Common Ground in Rapid City, SD.
