Loren Baptiste Pourier, known to many as Bat, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026, at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, at the age of 74. Born January 13, 1952,to Loren and Isabelle (Rooks) Pourier in Rapid City, South Dakota, Bat will always be remembered for his unwavering commitment, boundless generosity, and enduring love for his family, friends, and community.

Bat grew up with his cousins in the Bad Lands of South Dakota between Interior and Scenic, graduating from Rapid City Central High School, where he earned himself a position on the All State Football team in 1969. He went on to attend South Dakota State University and later earned his banking certificate from The Schools of Banking, Inc. in 1985.

In 1974 Bat married Vicky (Cathey) Morford and they had two sons Corey and Tye. In 1983 Bat married the love of his life Patty (Pich) Pourier.

From an early age, Bat displayed a remarkable sense of purpose and leadership. In 1976, he testified before the United States Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, advocating for locally controlled school boards, a testament to his dedication to education and tribal sovereignty. His commitment to his people only deepened as he took on the role of Director of Administration for Native Americans with the Oglala Sioux Tribe from 1981 to 1984.

Bat’s entrepreneurial spirit, paired with his passion for community development, led him into the world of business and finance. As a loan officer at Stockman’s National Bank and manager of the Stockman’s National Bank Insurance Company from 1984 to 1990, he cultivated skills and vision that would shape the rest of his professional life. In 1989, Bat and his wife Patty founded Muddy Creek Oil and Gas Corporation and constructed the Longhorn Food n Fuel in Rushville, Nebraska. This bold step laid the foundation for a legacy that would touch countless lives.

The opening of the first Big Bat’s Convenience Store in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, in 1990 marked another significant milestone. Under Bat’s direction, the business flourished. By 1995, Big Bat’s had evolved into a wholesale fuel marker, acquiring its first fuel transport. In 1996, Bat and Patty opened a second Big Bat’s location in Chadron, Nebraska, followed by third and fourth stores in Hot Springs, South Dakota in 1997. In 2004 Bat and Patty started the Lakota Country Times focusing on local Lakota news. Then in 2007 Bat and Patty tried to retire and sold their four stores to sons, Corey and Tye, and nephew Kevin Kelso. At that time 3 more locations were purchased. Bat and Patty then purchased Pine Ridge Oil in Pine Ridge, SD expanding their contributions to the regional economy.

Bat’s dedication was felt far beyond his businesses. In 1991, he and his brothers and nephew created Pourier Tiyospe, a collaboration that brought propane services to Pine Ridge and supported his passion for ranching in Kyle, South Dakota. His work extended into advocacy, as seen when Muddy Creek Oil and Gas sued the State of South Dakota for the return of fuel taxes to South Dakota Indian Tribes, resulting in a victory in 2003, ensuring that future fuel tax proceeds collected on the reservation would be returned to the individual tribes.

Bat and Patty’s achievements and service were widely recognized: Small Business of the Year awards in 1993 for both South Dakota and Region 8, and BIA Small Business of the Year in 2000. Bat further committed his time and talents to guiding and supporting youth and education by serving on the Red Cloud Indian School Foundation Board, National Board of Trustees for American Indians, and Little Wound School Board.

Behind his impressive career and advocacy, Bat was cherished for his warmth, humor, and genuine spirit. Anyone who crossed his path soon learned to expect witty remarks, spirited teasing, and plenty of laughter. His quick wit, frank honesty, and perfect timed comments endeared him to all. If Bat gave you a hard time, it was his way of showing he cared. Even when projecting a tough exterior, Bat’s compassion for his loved ones was unmistakable.

What truly brought Bat joy were the moments spent with his family, especially his grandchildren, who were the light of his life. His keen attention to detail, his pride in his work, and his deep affection for those around him including his beloved dog, Mister.

Bat's legacy continues through his loving family. He is survived by his wife Patty Pourier, sons Corey (Sheila) Pourier and Tye (Nichole) Pourier, brother Warren “Bim” Pourier, sisters Patty Kelso, Peggy Pourier, Karla (Rod) Longwell, and Shelly Pourier. His legacy is further carried by his grandchildren: Nate Dodd, Ahlaura (Louis) Pourier, Katarina (Sam) Rischling, Taurie (Austin) Anderson, Josslyn Pourier, Kenzie Pourier, Raylie Pourier, and Tyson Baptiste Pourier, as well as great-grandchildren Lauren, Kaizen, Ryker, and Cameron. Bat will be remembered fondly by a host of nieces and nephews: Kevin Kelso, Darty Saunders, Stevie Kjerstad, Vicki Saunders, Tawney Brunsch, Chad Brunsch, Grady Brunsch, Hayley Brunsch, Warren Pourier Jr., Nicole Pourier, Josh Mousseau, DJ Pourier, Isabelle Pourier, Travis Muir, Kourtney Muir, Trent Remiley, Abagail VanVleit, Elizabeth VanVleit, and Alexandra VanVleit and numerous great nieces and nephews & great-great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Loren, mother Isabella, sister Laurette Pourier, nephew Kelly Kelso, nephew Jamie Brunsch, and niece Kim Kelso.

The community is invited to remember and celebrate Bat’s life during the wake at Chamberlain Chapel, 1700 US-20, Chadron, Nebraska, on August 6, 2026, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Lakota Tech High School, 14 New Wolf Cr, Pine Ridge, South Dakota, on August 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Burial to follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Chadron Nebraska.

Bat’s legacy of leadership, dedication, and love will live on in all those whose lives he brightened. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.