Edward died Thursday, March 11, 2010 at his home in Marty, surrounded by his family. Funeral services were 11 Am, Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Marty. Burial was in the church cemetery. Wake services began Friday at the Community Center in Marty. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner was in charge of arrangements.

Edward Peter Zephier, Jr was born at Greenwood, Sd on May 3, 1933, the son of Melissa Mae Garfield and Edward Felix Zephier.

He married Audrey Carmen Zephier on October 21, 1952. From this marriage of 57 years, 15 children were born to this union. Survivors are: Altine and Lee Mace of Marty, Dave and Maryanne Zephier of Magnolia, IA, Pam Montoya of Yankton, Mary Hight and Jerry Mokros of Sioux Falls, Kim Zephier of Lake Andes, Dean Zephier and Diane Merrick of Vermillion, Garfield Zephier of Marty, Melissa Zephier of Wagner, Jean and Wayne Williamson of Wagner, Jane Zephier of Wagner, Blanche Zephier of Marty, Mike Zephier and Cheryl Nelson of Lake Andes, Georgiana Zephier of Marty, Dawn and Eric Capetillo of Sioux Falls and Augustina and Luis Sanchez of Hatch, NM; 74 grandchildren and 45 great grandchildren; and a sister, Catherine Charging Hawk.

Edward was ordained a Catholic Deacon on December 6, 1977. He was the first Native American Deacon.

His favorite hobbies were watching rodeos on T.V. and going for rides in his cars.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Audrey Carmen Wright Zephier, his sister, Madeline Zephier and several grandchildren.