Marvin Tim Wetselline

Marvin Tim Wetselline was born on June 24, 1962, to his loving mother Eva Joy Wetselline at the Lawton Indian Hospital. Through out Marvin's lifetime he was raised by a loving and well-respected family. Marvin's Great-Grandparents were the late Henry and Eva Redbone (Tselee) and his Grandparents were the late Henry and Suzie Wetselline. Marvin grew up in the Ft. Cobb Community and attended school in Ft. Cobb, then later went to Concho Indian School, Riverside Indian School and he did receive his G.E.D. Marvin was a born athlete just like the rest of the Nimseys and Wetsellines. Marvin played all sports, but he specifically like basketball, boxing and excelled in running track. Did I say, "born athlete", yes, I did and I will repeat it-this family was "born athletic" from the oldest to the youngest. Marvin also boxed for Riverside Indian School and was coached by Garfield Littlechief where he earned his Golden Gloves. Marvin's Uncles and Aunts all had nicknames all their lives and we didn't know they had legal names until we all grew up. Let's see now there was Leroy, Gerald and Jr., then there was Toots, Pinky, Joe, Craze, Bodie, Germ and of course Pally. The sisters were Dot, Whitey and Zittiwan.
In Marvin's school years he ran for the KCA Track Team, which was coached by "Duke and Thuke"-Duke Tsoodle Jr. and Bill Koomsa Jr. This team went to many track meets, one of the highlights which we all recall is when we traveled to Jemez, New Mexico. The whole team traveled in a van that Duke owned. When it came time for Marvin's heat, he was faced with the best runner from Jemez Indian Tribe. They were going to run in the 440-meter run. They were warming up-the crowd began to cheer for this famous track star. Because he came on the track; he was followed by a tribal entourage. They even had a Medicine Man with them. Because the boys were warming up, this group began to go into their traditional ways of bestowing their runners with a lot of luck and wishes for a speedy win. During the line-up, Marvin found himself to the right beside this runner. So, when the whistle was blown for the start, he began to run at a slow pace, this Jemez runner came upon him, he hollered at Marvin and said, "I'm going to out run you and I'm going to win." Then he takes off running full speed ahead-after watching him run at a fast pace, Marvin began to push up his speed and he was passing this runner, the runner once again yelled at him and said, "I'm going to out run you and win this race."�Too late. Marvin put his speed in gear, gained upon him and he was passing him-he turned around and running backwards and hollered out to him, "Not today "Bud" not today!" Needless to say, Marvin- "daylighted" him, by running backwards and won the race. This is a true story.
Marvin enjoyed his tribal heritage, Marvin danced during the Kiowa-Apache Blackfoot Society Ceremonials at the Redbone Dance Grounds now the Apache Tribal Dance Grounds. Then Marvin listened to his Uncles, as they encouraged all their younger Say-gees to learn the songs. Marvin took this to heart and began to sing at the drum. Marvin was presented a drum stick by his Uncle Jefferey Toehay. This encouraged him even more. Every year Marvin had a hand in preparing the dance grounds and helping his Mom and family to set up the family encampment. Marvin took pride in the Ceremonial staffs and always treated them with great respect. Marvin was taught to respect the dance and the songs.
Marvin was a Fire Fighter for the Caddo Nation. Marvin was a dear friend to LaRue Martin Parker who was the Caddo Tribal Chairwoman for many years and her son Gary. While as a Fire Fighter, Marvin traveled to Wyoming and Montana. While in Missoula, Montana, Marvin became acquainted with his sister Shirley Mae Lookingglass and told her he visited the museum where his late Uncle Joe's name was inscribed on the wall. Marvin made many friends throughout his travels and here at home. As many of you may have noticed, the Honorary Pall-Bearers are represented by the Caddo Nation Fire Fighters. It is so wonderful that they would be here to pay their respects. Thank you for your attendance.
Survivors of Marvin include; his mother Eva Joy Wetselline, who was fondly called "Dot", the matriarch of the Wetselline Family. His brothers Johnny A. Wetselline and wife Tsistone, Apache. OK. His Special Adopted Brothers Robert O'Keefe, New York City, NY, and Nick Reyes, Anadarko, OK. His oldest sister Patricia Nimsey and companion Jackie Halbuta, OKC, OK, Ruth Wetselline Bert and companion Alfred, OKC, OK, Bonita Wetselline, Babs, MT, Suzie Darlene Wetselline, Anadarko, OK, Gerrie Wetselline, TX. His Special Niece Carol June Wetselline Harrison, Anadarko, OK, His Special Grandchildren Ramondo Wetselline, Shanowa Birch Wetselline, Miles Harrison, Anadarko, OK. His Special Companion Judy Alstatt, Anadarko, OK. His Wetselline Uncles Phillip and wife Verna, Apache, OK, Terry, Ft. Cobb, OK, Barry, Anadarko, OK. His Uncle Sam Redbone and wife Joanna, Anadarko, OK. His Special Aunt Martha "Aunt Ver" Koomsa, Carnegie, OK. His Special Ees-uh-daw Roosevelt "Rosey" Lonewolf who he enjoyed hanging with in his "Man-Cave". Marvin loved going to watch his Niece Clessia "Sissy" Lonewolf & his Nephew Roosevelt "Baby Rosey " Lonewolf Jr. play basketball and he took them to every one of their games. Marvin also leaves a host of Cousins, Uncles, Aunts, Brothers, Sisters, Nephews, Nieces, various Grandchildren and Friends.
In Kiowa, we have no word for Good-Bye-we say, "I'll See You Again."
"Heggaw-aim-oye-boin thaw" - To our Son, Marvin

Visitation: 1:00p.m. ~ 8:00 p.m., Sunday, April, 19, 2020
Ray and Martha's Funeral Home
Anadarko, Oklahoma

Graveside: 11:00 a.m., Monday, April 20, 2020
Redbone - Tselee Cemetery
Fort Cobb, Oklahoma