DONALD RAY HARDEMAN AKA “HONEYBEAR” AND “CHIEF”

Donald Ray Hardeman, aka "Honeybear" and "Chief", age 62 of Lampasas, TX passed away on Thursday, February 4, 2021. Donald was born June 3, 1958 in Pine Ridge, South Dakota.

Donald served in the US Army as a motor transport operator and truck vehicle mechanic. He then went on in his civilian life as a truck driver, and when Don was not working he enjoyed karaoke and spending time with his family and friends. He also liked returning home for visits on the reservation. He was a friendly and outgoing man who never met a stranger and would always have time to chat about politics, as long as you agreed with him.

Donald is survived by his wife Barbara "Bobby" Hardeman, one son Christopher Hardeman and partner Joan of Washington State, and stepsons Wesley Womack of Lampasas, Ben Vernon and wife Keli and Greg Harris and wife Maggie of McAllen. Also, parent Twyler Hardeman of Rockford, Alabama and sisters Carmelita Doke and husband Keith, Sara Dilley and Becca Dilley, Paille Hardeman and Barbara Watson, and a brother Joseph Valandra Jr. of Pine Ridge, SD. And 8 grandchildren: Dakotah and partner Jordan, Cassidy Standifer and husband Jonathan, Blake, Trent, Aubrey, Ridge Vernon, Cash and Austin Harris, along with numerous nephews and nieces.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Valandra Sr. and Mary Rose Slow Bear, and Hal "Chuck" Hardeman; brother Wayne Valandra and Troy Pawnee Leggins; and his stepson, Wayne Womack.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

A Lakota Prayer

0 Tunkasila, whose voice I hear in the wind and whose breath gives life to all the world - hear me .. .I come before you, one of your many children. I am small and weak. I need strength and wisdom. Let me walk in beauty and make my eyes behold the red and purple sunset. Make my hands respect the things you have taught my people; the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock. I seek strength grandfather-not to be superior to my brothers but to be able to fight my greatest enemy - myself. Make me ever ready to come to you with clean hands and a straight eye so that when life fades, as the fading sunset, my spirit may come to you without shame.