Richard Lewis Chalepah

Richard Lewis Chalepah, Sr.

Traditional Apache Indian burial services for Richard Lewis Chalepah, Sr., 64, start with visitation on Saturday at 2 p.m. in Alden-Chalepah Family Home place, original alltoment of Koon-Kay-Za-Chy. This is an all night vigil filled with prayer, hymns and fellowship. Sunday, a Cedar Ceremony will take place at the home place prior to departing to the Prayer Service to be held Sunday evening, 6:00 p.m. at the Red Buffalo Hall, Carnegie, Ok., followed by all night vigil. Funeral service is Monday at 10:00 a.m., at the Red Buffalo Hall, Carnegie, Ok., followed by burial at Cache Creek Cemetery, Boone Ok in the Chalepah Family Plot. Officiating is Duke Tsoodle, Assisted by Timothy Nestell, Carlo Chalepah, Pershing Yeahquo, June Daingkau,

Richard L. Chalepah, Sr., entered into his eternal life home in heaven, December 21, 2012. Born September 9, 1948, in Lawton Indian Hospital to Alfred and Leota Evelyn Apayatt-Oyebi Chalepah, Sr, the sixth child out of sixteen children. He's a proud enrolled member of the Apache Tribe. He's ½ Apache and ½ Kiowa. Richard Chalepah shared his knowledge and experiences as a headsman in both the Native American Church and Chalepah (Apache) Blackfeet Society (NA-AYE-SHA-MAH-NAH-TDIT-DAY-AYE).

Richard attended Alden school along with his 80 year old Grandfather Apache Ben. Later attending Carnegie and Anadarko schools, playing football, basketball and track. He made All-District, All-Conference and Captain of the Team(s). He accomplished getting his GED and graduated along side Son, Kyle Chalepah. Later, he attended the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. His work experiences include; Apache Linguistic, Substance Abuse and Alcohol Prevention Counselor, Grants Writer, USDA Inspector.

As a decendent of Koon-Kay-Za-Chy (Mean Over His Camp), Apache Indian Scout, US Army known as "Apache John", and Kiowa Chief "Satanta" White Bear, he was proud of his family heritage. Sought out from collegiate programs and communities of education throughout the United States. Richard contributions are noted documented anthropology work of the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma, Native American Spirituality, Apache Blackfeet Society (Manatidie) and the Chalepah family. 1966, The Univ. of Oklahoma made a live recording of the Chalepah Blackfeet Ceremonial Dance, where Richard was featured with noted Apache elders. 33 years later, Mr. Beatty returned to him to talk about their recording.Over the years, Richard worked with Anthropologists and their understudies of Chris Linnley, University of Missouri; John J. Beatty, Julie A. Jordan, former Mike Davis, all of the University of Oklahoma, former Gary DeCramer, University of Minnesota. At the time of his death, Richard was working with Sean O'Neal, OU Grad student as a liaison advising and reviewing a grant written by another anthropology student. His Apache language and education materials were funded by the Administration for Native Americans (ANA).

He kept an active interest in supporting the Apache tribal governance structure by participating in working groups within the Apache Tribe. His efforts to reform its tribal constitution affirmed his advocacy on tribal sovereignty. 1990, as Chairman of the Concerned Carnegie Area Residents (CCAR), he led a force of peaceful resistance to address complaints from citizens against local law enforcement officials, and the allegations of verbal abuse and the unnecessary use of force and harassment. He sought out the Oklahoma Human Rights Commission and the U. S. Department of Justice in an effort to improve the relations between the local community, law enforcement and city officials.

Richard enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1966. While stationed at Cherry Point, N.C, he, along with his crew members received the Federal Aviation Administration highest civilian award. The Distinguished Service Award was awarded for his heroic actions in rescuing the 10 man crew trapped in a crashed Universal Airlines-DC 7CF with the knowledge of hazardous and highly inflammable materials in the cargo. Later he served in WestPac basing from Okinawa, Japan as Aircraft Crash, Fire and Rescue during the Vietnam War. His military awards and badge include; National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal-2nd Award and Rifle Expert Badge.

Growing up, Richard was raised in the home of Cleatus Pascal Poolaw, Sr. and his Aunt, Irene (Chalepah) Poolaw and their children along with Grandma Rose, in Anadarko, OK. 1966, he married Pamela Yackeyonny, although later divorced; he kept a life-long special relationship and friendship with the entire Snake-Yackeyonny Families. From this marriage came two children, Kyle and Rhonda. He was united in marriage to Cora Aitson, June 15, 1976 in Caddo County. Richard lived amongst a host of family and friends in Anadarko-Ok, Lawton-Ok, Louisiana, Dallas, El Paso-Tx and Oakland-Ca. He often traveled out of state to visit other Indian Nations on invitation to participate in their cultural events. Nearly 30 years in sobriety, he continued to solicit support in his efforts to provide chemical dependency treatment and education for Indian people in southwest Oklahoma. He was well cared for and loved by the staff and residents during his most recent stay in Monte Vista Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center, Lawton, OK. With declining health and lost of eyesight, Richard's spirit remained socially active by attending and supporting his families events, cultural activities and participating in his tribal gov't meetings. His favorite hobbies and interest included; all things Native American whether people, places, or things. He enjoyed watching Dallas Cowboys and OU Sooner Football games and playing horse shoes but he most of all he enjoyed singing at the drum and being in the teepee, praying. He was passionately proud of his Apache and Kiowa family history, his cultural heritage, and of his veteran status for military service as a US Marine. He recently attended Lawton First Assembly and was a member of the Native American Church Chapter of the Apache Tribe.

Survivors include his wife of the home and their four children, three sons; Richard L. Chalepah, Jr. and wife Lelah, Carlo B. Chalepah and wife Jackie, James F. Chalepah and wife Robin, one daughter; Christiana D. Chalepah all of Carnegie, Ok; two children from his previous marriage, one son; Kyle F. Chalepah, Houston, Tx and one daughter, Rhonda Y. Williams and her husband Kenneth, of Lawton, OK. One brother, Alonzo Chalepah of Carnegie, Ok. Four sisters; Ella Chalepah, of Carnegie, Ok, Rose Autaubo and her husband, Vester, Lucretia Chalepah, Patty K. Chalepah, all of Anadarko, Ok. Fifteen grandchildren; Meekah, Francis, Holly, Kyla, Candace, Randall, Bergundy, Meadow, Hailey, Beautiful Day, Kayla, Julie, Ryal, Brandon, Kara and five great-grandchildren; Chelsea, Layla, Mariah, Gabriel, Dallas. Special nieces, nephews and grandchildren; Bugg, Michael, Gertie, Generita, Tabbetha, Lurlene, SarCee, John, Bo, Jody Ann, Crystal, Ben, Amy. Special Brothers and Sister and family; Robert Toehay, Keith Yackeyonny, Bill and Vicky Alexander, Oliver and Elden Enjady

He was preceded in death by his parents, eight brothers, three sisters and paternal grandparents and maternal grandparents, one grandson and two special friends affectionately known as "Brothers", former Minnesota State Congressman, Gary DeCramer, Mike Davis and Charles "Charlie" Pebeashy.

Funeral is under the direction of Ray and Martha Funeral Home, Carnegie.