Linda S. Poolaw

Linda Sue Poolaw of Anadarko was born on April 8, 1942 at the Kiowa Indian Hospital in Lawton, Oklahoma to Horace and Winnie (Chisholm) Poolaw. She passed from this Earth after a brief illness on Thursday, February 27, 2025, in Chickasha, Oklahoma at the age of 82.

During World War II, Linda's family visited with her father in the summers, at McDill Army Air Corps Field in Tampa, Florida where her father was stationed as an aerial combat photography instructor. Through her father's interaction with the B-17 bomber crews receiving training, one on the bomber aircraft was christened with the name "the Linda Sue".

After World War II, Linda's family settled in Anadarko. She graduated from Anadarko High School in 1960. Like other teenagers influenced by the changing times of the 1960's, Linda was an independent thinker and did not always fit the mold. She was an avid Softball player during the 1960's. Her first job was as a tour guide at Indian City, USA. After graduation she found work in Oklahoma City at the State Capital. She later moved to Muskogee for technical training, and then to the Choctaw Indian Hospital in Talihina as a medical technician. Linda always made many friends wherever she went.

Linda traveled to Indian Island, Maine, in the late 1960's to care for an aging Uncle and Aunt and easily fit in as a member of their community. She often talked about her experience there as one of the best times of her life.

Linda returned to Oklahoma in 1970 and enrolled at USAO in Chickasha. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Education from USAO. Linda moved to Norman after graduation and was employed by the University of Oklahoma in the student services department. She next accepted a position with the Oklahomans for Indian Opportunity office in Norman where she was employed for several years. It was during this time that Linda became highly involved in Delaware tribal affairs.

Linda returned to Anadarko and served the Delaware Tribe of Western Oklahoma in a number of positions, including ICW specialist, NAGPRA specialist, Committee Person, Treasurer, Secretary, and Vice-President. She served as the Delaware Tribal Director for several years during the Annual American Indian Exposition. Linda was also the first female president of the American Indian Exposition. She was honored with being elected Chief of the Delaware Grand Council, composed of the other Delaware Nations still in existence in the United States and Canada. She was a Delaware tribal representative in the Ellis Island Repatriation in New York City. Additionally, she was instrumental in re-establishing the Lenape Full Moon ceremony.

Linda's final position of employment was with the Strong Heart Program under the direction of the University of Oklahoma's Health Sciences Center.

Linda is survived by one brother, Robert Poolaw Sr. of Norman, Oklahoma; two sister-in-laws, Martha Poolaw and Elvina Poolaw; five nephews (Robert Poolaw Jr., Thomas Poolaw, Johnny Poolaw, Damon Poolaw, Robert Naves); two nieces ( Tracy Poolaw Mailo, Audrey Poolaw); nine grandchildren (Marisa, Jessica, Dane, Logan, Jeffrey, Elias, Tabe, Taylor, and Jessie): eight great grandchildren Haileigh, Alexander, Jada, Lillian Sue, Tavi, James, Magnolia, and Jewels); one great grandchild (Leondro); and a close cousin, Dona Thompson.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents Horace and Winnie (Chisholm) Poolaw; two brothers, Dr. Bryce M. Poolaw and Gerald W. Poolaw.

Visitation is scheduled for 3-8 PM Sunday, March 2, 2025 at Ray and Martha's Funeral Home. Wake services are scheduled at 7 PM at Ware's Chapel. Funeral services will begin at 11 AM at the First Baptist Church in Anadarko. Interment will conclude at the Memory Lane Cemetery.