Vo’kaa’e Ohvo’komaestse(White Antelope) started his journey across Seone to the loving arms and embrace of his mother to guide him along the way on September 5, 18. On a wintery day of December 17, 1993, Casey Loren Whitedirt, was welcomed to the earth by his mother, Monica Whitedirt, whom Casey always doted over and held a special bond with as the self-proclaimed “momma’s boy” of the brothers. We all knew that he missed his mother tremendously after her death a short five years ago, and that he completed his tasks here on earth early so that he may return to the warm, loving lodge of his mother, where both of whom now await us all.
The Whitedirt and Spotted Elk families guided the upbringing of him and his siblings, especially his mother and grandfather Gilbert, who were his main teachers in our traditional way of life. He descends from a long line of chiefs on both his maternal and paternal sides, including descending from the last Elk Horn Scraper Society Chief, Charlie Whitedirt. He learned the Cheyenne values of respect, kindness, forgiveness, duty, responsibility for your actions and loyalty from his mother who always told him and his siblings to love each other no matter what happens in life and that all they have is each other. Casey honored the wishes of his mother to the fullest extent, which is evident in the amount of people who know and love him today. His family will continue to pray and conduct ceremony knowing that he will always be right there by their side to give them strength and courage to continue on in life.
Casey acquired his education at Lame Deer Public School and Northern Cheyenne Tribal Schools, and graduated with a High School Diploma from Penn Foster at Quintin Burdick Job Corp in May 2017. During his time at job corps, he became pod leader and was responsible for keeping his dorm pod in line with attendance, cleaning, and inspection duties. He also won numerous athletic, academic excellence and personal character awards. He participated in numerous basketball tournaments with his friends at Job Corp, as well as other activities where he showcased his athletic ability. During High School, Casey won all-conference honors for cornerback in football and excelled as a wide receiver. Basketball was also a lifetime passion of Casey’s in school and in life. He was a regular at the People’s Park with his best friend Keith Elkshoulder, Jr., and nephew Ty LaFrance, schooling on everyone even if that meant playing in his cowboy boots. His little sister Nasheena grew up admiring his basketball talent and playing style, so he and Derek taught her how to play tough male basketball. He definitely was her role model growing up.
Casey was also one to light up any room when he walked in. His smile shined so bright and his acknowledgement of everyone in the room brought their spirits up. You would always know Casey was around when you heard Chay “Frog”, “Frogman”, “Boise”, “C Dubb”, “Tibbs”, “Ribs”, “Case”, “Catch” or “Dogmeat” before anyone said anything else to him. He was always good at making jokes in serious situations, especially when things could be going terribly wrong by saying something that would throw them into laughter. He will continue to be remembered by his large crooked smile, his big eyes and cool grins, including his classic head nod to those he passed as he walked around the reservation. You could always find Casey walking on the highway to his destination with his signature black sweater and his distinct walk his family all knew.
There were many personal attributes that made Casey the character he was. Playing music loudly and jamming out was one thing he will always be remembered for, especially in the car where he liked to sit passenger next to his sister Teanna with music on full blast and throwing his hands around at her. Word for word he would sing all of his favorite songs, especially peyote music and his rap music. Playing peyote music and cleaning up the house was a favorite past time of his. Casey was a master chef when it came to cooking spaghetti, which he requested at every birthday since he was a teenager. There was no food leftover when Casey was around as he had a high metabolism and huge appetite that could finish off all the meals his family cooked, including eating an entire pizza to himself. He also liked to be spontaneous, dance around and act goofy in front of his family. His love for his TV shows also showed when he had control of Netflix. YouTube was also his go to place when he wanted to watch sports videos, listen to his rap music and watch PBR with his grandpa Gilbert. Often you could find him riding a horse or roping his favorite roping dummy outside at the family ranch during any time of the year. He loved the cowboy way of life and took after his grandpa in many respects. Boots were also a daily attire requirement, even if he had to wear trunks with his boots and no shirt.
There are simply no words to describe the person Casey was. A friendly man like him is far and few, especially one who was always respectful, kind, caring, compassionate and always offered a few good words to say to others when they were troubled. His big heart will always be remembered by those who were blessed to know him. The biggest memory we will have of him is his straight teeth and his huge smile that went from ear to ear. In classic Casey fashion, he would show up unannounced out of nowhere, including visits to his close family member homes. He liked to drop in on his loved ones for a surprise visit for a few minutes and then be on his way in his mission to buy a dollar pop, hot Cheetos and pizza pocket. His friends, family and loved ones will continue to expect him to show up out of nowhere and surprise them like he always did. We still await seeing him walk down the dirt road to his grandpa’s house. Now he begins his final journey to our loved ones who eagerly await him.
Of the many life accomplishments Casey had, his single most important accomplishment was being a dad. On December 21, 2012, Casey and Taylor welcomed their first-born child into the world, a mere two months after his mom passed away. Katawna Bree Whitedirt was welcomed by all her family members as everyone was so eager to meet his baby “Peanut.” Today, Casey is survived by three children and his best friend and partner, Taylor Spang. Taylor, Lil Dub C, as Casey called his son, and Liyanna Marie, along with Katawna Bree, were the love and light of his life. The love he exuded for his children was beyond measure, and he always made the time to call his children when he was away and to always tell them that he loved them. Casey always spoke about how he wanted his children to grow up learning our traditional way of life. He would take the time to teach them the Cheyenne language whenever he got the opportunity. He called his children by their Cheyenne names as often as he could. He had a knack for language, and was probably the most fluent in learning and speaking the language correctly out of all his siblings his age.
Lastly, Casey was both an amazing, wonderful, strong and caring brother, dad, son, nephew, grandson, uncle and husband. Each relationship he built exemplified his character and how influential he was in the lives of those he loved and cared for. As a brother, he cared for every single emotion we were going through, and was always there to listen. We could always count on Casey to help us find resolution. His children could always count on their dad to express the tremendous pride and joy he had as their father. His babies always wanted to be around him because of how well he cared for them and paid close attention to them. His niece and nephews will always miss how patient and kind he was in teaching them how to be a good person and to never give up on anything. His grandpa of course, was his role model in living the cowboy way of life and his grandpa will sure miss watching him rope outside and ride horses. His sisters and brothers were also the center of his life and he completed them, especially after mom passed when they needed to be each other’s strength.
Casey’s mother, Monica Whitedirt, maternal grandmother Virginia Whitedirt, childhood best friend Red Elk Lone Bear, paternal grandfather Frederick Blackwolf, uncle Maclay Whitedirt, great grandparents Charlie and Julia Whitedirt precede Casey in death.
Survivors include, his three children: Katawna, Liyanna, and Casey Whitedirt; the love of his life and mother to his children, Taylor Spang; adopted moms Cindy, LaVerna, Francine; brothers Derek, Edison, Wyatt, Keith, Jr., Terrance, Romer and Jesse, Marlin, among many others he knew; sisters Teanna, Nasheena, Addie, Lucinda, Shamiekwa, Brittany Whiteman, Edie, Lisa, Naya, Iona; cousins Pete, Shanae, Sharee, Stella, Raelynn, Sheila, Antone, Cody, Cory, Anthony, Holly, Paulee, and many others he loved and visited often; nieces and nephews Hayley, Ivey, Sta’Shawn, Duke, Wynter, Asa, Erin, Alannah, Jeanette; his grandpa’s Wesley Spotted Elk and Gilbert Whitedirt; grandma’s Imogene and Mae; aunties Elrena, Amy, Gilma, Bonnie, Tamara, Pamela, Susan, Lucille, LaVanda, Elizabeth, Julia, Diane, Ethelene, Shannlyn; uncles Eddie, Larry, Samuel, Randy, Dewaine, Lane and Sheldon Spotted Elk. The family apologizes for failing to mention anyone, as we are experiencing tremendous heartbreak at this time as we have lost our beloved Casey both tragically and unexpectedly. Please accept our since apologies. Just know that he loved all of you near and far!
The family thanks and appreciates everyone effort in contributing time, resources, baskets, and food in prepping our brother for his final journey to his resting place. The family would also like to acknowledge and give special thanks to Teanna’s TCC THPO family, Randy Elliot and the Northern Cheyenne BIA Police Department, Ambulance Service, Theresa Small and DES crew, Tribal Council and Administration, Northern Cheyenne Fire and Rescue, Rosebud County Sheriffs and Coroner’s offices, and all those who came to the assist the family in searching for Casey. Nea’ese! A special thanks to Senator Jon Tester’s office.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Eva Mae Foote says
Gods Peace and Comfort, so sorry for your loss.
My heart felt condolences, prayers and hugs.<3
Allen Clubfoot Jr. says
Condolences to Casey’s family and fiends.
R.I.P. Casey,
Kristina says
Sending our condolences to the family, prayers for comfort and peace.
Brittanyy says
Man.. This is just too unreal. I’m very sorry to hear about the loss of Casey. I’ll never forget his charming smile and great sense of humor. You’ll forever be missed Casey.. Prayers to the family.
Sacramenta Landrum says
Deepest condolences to the Whitedirt family and friends for the loss of your loved one Casey. Hope and comfort comes from God’s wonderful promise for the loved ones we have lost in death to be fulfilled very soon right here on a brand new Paradise Earth by his son Jesus Christ it will give you hope and comfort during this difficult time Acts 24:15; John 5: 28, 29; Revelation 21: 1-5.
Mrs. Bonnie Bigback says
It is such a shock to learn of Casey’s death. He was a fun student to have in school. My deepest condolences go out to all the members of the family.
Georgia Ann Burns says
My prayers to your family, his children and friends!
I am so sorry for your loss!! Sending prayers of comfort!!
He was a great young man and was always joking around with a big smile!!!???
Ann Knows His Gun says
Such a great loss, R.I.P. Casey. Your momma waiting with open arms to greet you to the other camp.
Weston Little Whiteman says
Love you Little Brother R.I.P. ?
Wilburta Bigback says
Prayers and condolences to the Family!
Brandon Woodenlegs says
Rest easy my brother. Thank you for your unconditional friendship, friends like you a one in a billion. I will see you when I get there…
Ann King & family says
Casey, I watched you grow up in your younger days as a student at NCTS. You shared Kindergarten with Mrs. Jessen alongside our daughters. I was always aware of your sweet, loving and king countenance and peaceful nature. You were always smiling ear to ear, with a twinkle in your eye. Once, on the elementary basketball court, we watched as you noticed a special-needs teammate who was older than you, who needed direction and support on the court, and quickly and unhesitatingly put your hands on his shoulders and steered his direction toward the distant goal on the other side on the court. It was such a touching moment….. and to me pretty much sums up your loving and compassionate spirit. It was an honor to have been your teacher. Journey well……
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
THE NORTHERN CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR MOST SINCERE AND HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF CASEY LAWRENCE WHITEDIRT AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOST OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Kim whiteman says
Ur laughter Casey will always bring a joy to my heart,of course never forgettin that twinkle in ur eyes u had.taylor n babies were the works to u…i will always treasure r talks n things we did together to help u two become the the young awesome parents u knew u were..