Obituaries

James C. Hall of Ponca City was born February 7th, 1944, to Eugene J. Hall and Jeanette W. Jones Hall in Ponca City. He passed away February 3rd, 2022. Jim grew up riding horses and farming in Uncas. He graduated from Ponca City High School in 1962, he also attended NOC. Jim became a firefighter in 1964, retiring in 1984 as shift commander. Following his retirement, he worked maintenance at Ponca City High School and McCord Elementary.

Ronald Dean Kihega was born on January 09,1933 to George and Sarah “Grace” (Hudson) Kihega in Pawnee, Oklahoma. A proud member of the Pigeon Clan of the Otoe- Missouria Tribe, and descendant of the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma. Ronald was raised in Red Rock and attended school there. He graduated from Red Rock High School, then enlisted in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1956. Ronald served his country during the Korean War and was stationed on the U.S.S. Oriskany. He received the National Defense Service Ribbon/Medal, the Korean Service Medal/Ribbon, and the United Nations Service Ribbon/Medal. During his time of service in the year 1956, he was the star pitcher for the Atsugi Flyers in Japan. Ronald had the nickname “Chief” on the team. He pitched a no-hitter, no-run game for the team. This earned him the Athletic Achievement Award for baseball from the Navy. Ronald was the first person to win the award. Ronald “Chief” Dean Kihega, SN, USN, of NAS Atsugi, Japan.

J.D. “Pete” Bland of Shidler, Oklahoma left this life February 1, 2022, at the age of 84 in Hillcrest Hospital in Tulsa, OK to meet with the love of his life, wife Patty Joyce in heaven.

Georgia Ann Connor, 78, long time resident of Ponca City passed away Saturday, February 5, 2022. Viewing will be at Trout Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with family present 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 9. A rosary will be held at Trout Funeral Home in Ponca City on Wednesday, February 9 at 6:00 p.m. and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Ponca City Thursday, February 10 at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery, Ponca City.

Charles Star “Mi’kai” Warrior left this world to join his loved ones in Heaven on January 29, 2022, at the age of 40. He was born on August 15, 1981, to James Warrior, Sr. and Eugenia Sadie (Brown) Warrior. Charles grew up in Ponca City, OK in a community affectionately known as the “East Roads”; he was proud of his roots and never forgot where he came from. At heart, he remained a country boy and loved telling his sons about his adventures at the river (his river, as he dubbed it), spearfishing with his brothers. He enjoyed playing basketball and his natural athleticism led him to receive the very first Shinney trophy at the annual tribal games. He remained proud of that achievement and never let an opportunity pass to remind his many brothers just who held that honor. Charles entered the boxing ring in his teens and excelled, making a name for himself locally; during that time, he also became a published author of a poem. He was a champion horseshoe player, attending and winning tournaments all over Oklahoma. Charles was an avid OU fan, and a champion Wii bowler- often hosting tournaments at his very own “Arrf Arrf Lanes”. He returned to school in his 30s, receiving his GED at Pioneer Tech and then went on to get his heavy machinery certifications. He loved working outside, building things, and teaching his sons how to do just about anything. He was proud to be a Dad, and everyone knew when his “babies” were in residence. Charles had the orneriest smile and his bear hugs could pop your back, but they were the best. He never met a stranger and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need; and anyone who stopped by his house left fed and taken care of. He fancied himself quite the chef and made a mean bowl of hamburger gravy and fried potatoes; he also quite nervily enjoyed critiquing all the food sent to him by way of the kids and their mom. Charles held many positions in the tribal arenas and was at his very best when he was in the circle. His family was his first love and his culture was his second. Charles enjoyed spending his leisure time listening to music, reminiscing, and enjoying life with his “Bros” and nephews in the Ft. Oakland community. Anytime he wasn’t home watching his movies or playing video games with his boys, he could be found in the company of Junebug Paschal, Sonny Calls Him, James Harjo, and Vincente Warrior.