October 2, 2016 – May 3, 2025
Funeral services for Tao Laine Standing Bear, 8 year old son of Marcella Red Tomahawk and Sherman Standing Bear, will be at 11 AM, Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Cannonball Red Gym. Burial will be at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Cannonball under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Tao passed away Saturday, May 3, 2025, at his home in Cannonball.
Tao Laine Standing Bear was born as a surprise on the warm 2nd day of October in the morning of 2016. He was born to his momma, Marcella “Marcy” Red Tomahawk and his dad, Sherman Standing Bear.
Tao’s momma had a long slow ride to the hospital because NO DAPL was going in full force. Tao was a politicking at the age of 1 with his Papa Pete, so he has been shaking hands and kissing uncis and lalas for the last 7 years. He was an early riser and would get up with Papa Pete and Grandma Beanzie, watch the news and have breakfast with them. Tao was an old soul in an 8-year-old body.
Tao was a complete momma’s boy and was very overprotective of her. He needed to know where his momma was at all times, especially when he was transitioning to his own room. He would lay on his momma’s bed and say, “But Mom why is your bed so comfy though?”
Tao loved to go fishing since he was a baby. He even won a few fishing tournaments. You could hear his little voice saying, “FISH ON!” He was born to fish but was forced to go to school.
Tao loved his grandma Beanzie’s cooking, his favorite was spaghetti with commod cheese! Tao’s favorite snack was Oreos submerged in milk. He loved to stick his WHOLE little brown hand in the cup until his cookies were soggy. Tao loved his Auntie Salonda’s banana bread.
Tao was a typical boy and enjoyed being with all his family playing. Tao loved to dance and watch YouTube videos. If you watch the Spring and Christmas concerts you can see him dancing and singing along.
Tao attended Standing Rock Elementary School. Tao was a very smart, friendly, outgoing, happy little boy. He received numerous student of the month and perfect attendance awards. He had a great class and an amazing teacher who worked really hard with him to get ready for 3rd grade. He was in Ms. Lisa Merline’s 2nd grade class of 21. He loved all his classmates.
Tao had the best sense of humor. He could make just about anyone laugh. His little cousins, nephews, and nieces thought he was the COOLEST 8-year-old EVER! Tao was also a protector. He was fierce at protecting those who were being bullied. His momma was raising him right. He had a big kind heart and loved wholeheartedly.
Tao was an outdoors boy. In the springtime he would be jumping on his trampoline or riding bike with his dad. In the summertime he would be fishing or swimming in his swimming pool. In the wintertime as soon as the snow fell, he would be outside playing with his dad for hours and would come in with pink cheeks just sweating and smiling. Tao loved plushies, and playing Minecraft. He would wear crocs every day if he could.
Tao’s favorite holiday was Halloween. He would love to get ready for Halloween.
Tao has an enormous family with so many friends and extended family. Tao has touched so many hearts, and we sincerely apologize if we left anyone out that is not or never was our intention.
Tao is patiently waiting at the end of the trail for his momma Marcy and dad Sherman. His grandpa Pete and grandma “Beanzie” Alvina Red Tomahawk. Aunties: Debbie & Dewey Plenty Chief, Kimberly Red Bow, Debbie Standing Bear, Tiffany Hodge, Shalonda Many Horses & Scott White Eagle, Tamara & Henry “Uncle Mugga” Harrison, and Erica Conica. Uncles: Kyle Red Tomahawk Sr., Marcellus Red Tomahawk, Eric Conica.
Tao was greeted in heaven by his grandparents Karen Wise Spirit and Sherman Standing Bear Sr.. Aunt’s: Leila Red Tomahawk, Sherrie Standing Bear, Thomasine Standing Bear, Charlotte Conica and godmother Helen Red Tomahawk. Uncles: Joseph Red Tomahawk, Steve Red Bow, and Dennis Standing Bear and numerous other relatives.
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