Leon “Shorty” Columbus “Anpetu Tawa” (Indian name) age 70 of the Lower Sioux Community made his journey to the Spirit World on Saturday, February 23, 2008 at the Seasons Hospice in Redwood Falls. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the Lower Sioux Community Center. Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m. Monday at the Lower Sioux Community Center and will continue until the time of the services on Tuesday. There will be prayer services held at 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Monday. Interment is in the St. Cornelia’s Episcopal Cemetery. Condolences may be sent via email at www.redwoodvalleyfuneralhome.com. The Redwood Valley Funeral Home in Redwood Falls is handling the arrangements.

Leon Columbus was born June 17,1937 in Pipestone, MN to Thomas & Eleanor (St. Clair) Columbus. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Cornelia’s Episcopal Church. Leon was born again in 1986 at Calvary Indian Church in Minneapolis. Leon attended school at Bishop Whipple School on the Lower Sioux Community, in Pipestone and in Flandreau, SD. He later attended Vo-Tech in Arizona. Leon served in the United States Air Force, and was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He served overseas in Italy. Leon made his home at the Lower Sioux Community. He was married to Barbara Clemons and Joann Pendleton before he was united in marriage to Mary Ann Chesley. Leon worked as a tailor, he did roofing construction, and worked in refrigeration, heating and cooling. He loved the outdoors, and owned and operated Dacotah lawn and snow removal business. In his younger years he enjoyed boxing and was a member of Golden Gloves. Leon was a very generous man. He was always giving. He had a good sense of humor and enjoyed joking around. He enjoyed Dakota gospel music, going to Pow-wows & family gatherings. He especially enjoyed children, and loved spending time with his nieces and nephews.

Leon is survived by his siblings: Tim (Mary) of San Diego, CA, Roland (Fawn) of Redwood Falls, Lillian Wilson of the Lower Sioux, LaVonne (Dan) Swenson of the Lower Sioux, Glenford (Violet) of the Lower Sioux, Sandra (Ray) Geshick of the Lower Sioux, Marilyn His Day of the Lower Sioux, Vincent of the Lower Sioux, Dan Grey Eagle of the Lower Sioux, Christopher of Redwood Falls & Melissa (Christopher) Chee of the Lower Sioux; Hunka sister Shirley Big Eagle of Mission, SD; godchildren: Willis Swenson, Joseph Columbus & Christopher Chee; stepchildren: Russell, Cathy, Carla, Jeff & Brian Pendleton; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death are his parents, brothers and sisters and numerous other relatives.