Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Bonesteel City Hall in Bonesteel, SD. Burial will be in the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery, St. Charles, SD. A visitation and wake will begin on Sunday afternoon at the Hall.

Melvin James Chasing Hawk Sr. (Ohitoya Nazin) was born on July 25, 1955 in Wagner, South Dakota to Richard and Gertrude (Red Hill) Chasing Hawk. Melvin passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026 at 12:40 at the Lake Andes Nursing Home in Lake Andes, South Dakota.

Melvin graduated from Bonesteel High School in May, 1974. While attending high school, he participated in many activities. He enjoyed playing football and was one of the top players. Melvin was an all around athlete.

After graduation he joined the military and was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. He enjoyed the life of being in the military. He was also proud of his sons and grandson for following the family tradition of joining the military.

Melvin continued his education at Mitchell Vo-Technical and earned a two year degree in Auto Mechanics. Later in life, he pursued a four year degree in Drug and Alcohol Counseling at Sinte Gleska in Mission, South Dakota. He then began his employment at Canku Teca Treatment Center, Ihanktonwan Community College, and Yankton Sioux Housing Authority until his sickness began.

His favorite time was fishing as a young man with his dad along the Milks Camp Community Dam. In the fall and winter he would go hunting with his dad and learned the process. Later in life his enjoyment for the outdoors continued. He would take his family and later grandchildren spending many hours fishing. Melvin also enjoyed playing poker and got in many tournaments. He also enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren following them to their sporting events. He would also travel to different softball tournaments to be the score keeper for the Mad Dogs softball team.

In 1978 Melvin met Wilma “Joyce” Roubideaux. They then started their life together and had seven children: Richard-Cactus (Delirita), Nicole (Tony), Melvin Jr. (Jasie), Stephanie, Brooks, Brian, Cody. He also gained four step children: Deanne, Jesse, Jeffery, and Rochelle. Melvin and Joyce were blessed with thirty grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, three brothers, and one stepson.

He is survived by his seven children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, two sisters: Pauline and Veronica, two brothers: Stephan and Richard Jr, along with many family and friends.