Ernest Chanate

Ernest "Jai" Chanate, Jr. was born on July 18, 1951 and made his journey onward on the morning of January 4, 2018. Known as Jai (or Junior) to many relatives, friends and acquaintances, he spent most of his life in his family's (Satepauhoodle) traditional land outside of Carnegie, where he had his house built.

Ernest graduated from Carnegie High School in 1969 and was an All-District Defensive football player on one of the most successful Carnegie Wildcat Football teams.

For many years, Jai made his living as a beadworker and often got requests from visitors from other parts of the countries who liked his work. He also used this skill to create gifts for family and friends.

Ernest gifts to his family weren't just physical but also ones that demonstrated his love for his Kiowa people which he passed onto his children and grandchildren. He also passed along a love for culture, acquiring knowledge and remaining dedicated to one's goals. Jai was known to open his house to long time friends and strangers alike, welcoming visitors and offering to share whatever he had. Ernest advised his children and grandchildren to show compassion for people less fortunate, to stand up for what they believe is right and to try to remain in good relations with other Kiowa people even when it was difficult.

Ernest followed the Traditional Native ways as his spiritual path. He attended many ceremonies and was a helper at Sundances. He had a special affinity for this way of life and respected the beliefs and ways of life of other tribes, often sharing stories he learned from other places. Ernest also enjoyed movies, music and books, all of which he shared with those who came to visit him.

Although Ernest encouraged us not to dwell in sadness and to continue on, he will be deeply and forever missed by his family.

Ernest is survived by long time companion Winnie Mouseaux, Carnegie, and some of his remaining family are sister Clara Chanate Littlelight in Carnegie; daughter Ginny Chanate Oldbear & husband Robert Oldbear of Elgin and son Robert Chanate in Denver; step-son O.J. Mouseaux of the home. Grandaughters Sienna, Margaret and Mary Chanate in Elgin. Ashley Mouseaux from New York. Adopted brother, Robert Bigfoot Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Adopted father, Ed Littlelight of Crow Agency, Hardin, Montana. Special friend, Stephen Truelove of Ashland, Oregon.
Ernest also has numerous relatives and friends throughout the area.

Ernest's family who passed on include parents Ernest Chanate Sr and Kathleen Boyiddle Chanate of Carnegie; brother Daryl Lynn Chanate of Carnegie and Grandson Daryl Jai Chanate in Carnegie.

Funeral service: 12:00 PM, Monday, January 8, 2018
Cedar Creek United Methodist Church, Carnegie, Oklahoma.

Wake Service: 7:00, Sunday, January 7, 2018
Ray & Martha's Funeral Home, Carnegie, Oklahoma

Visitation: Saturday, January 6, 2018 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sunday, January 7, 2018 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Ray & Martha's Funeral Home, Carnegie, Oklahoma.

Interment Carnegie Cemetery Carnegie, Oklahoma.

Under the direction of Ray and Martha's Funeral Home, Carnegie