Charles Yellowfox Jr., “Ve’kesohvehonevestse”, aka “Bird Chief”, was born November 7, 1937, to Sarah Weaselbear and Charles
Yellowfox Sr. He grew up in Lame Deer, went to school in Colstrip, graduating 1957 from Colstrip High School. Charles has fond memories of riding horses along Lame Deer creek with the “bunk house boys” aka BAR NONE. Charles loved his land and it showed by always working the ranch. He grew up in the Native American Church following the footsteps of his father. Right after high school he enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country for 3 years. He was detailed to Kodiak Island in Alaska where his job was to watch for ballistic missiles or air attacks against North America. Upon his honorable discharge in March 1960, he attended Oral Roberts University in Oklahoma to study business. Charles then went to Colorado Springs for a high security job in Cheyenne Mountain. He worked for the BIA Roads Department completing the “Carl Bement” highway. Charles was a legal advocate for many years on the Northern Cheyenne reservation. He loved his Cheyenne people, and felt it was an honor to serve them in the NC Tribal council, serving 2 terms.
For 35 years, Charles was with the love of his life, Patricia Flying. Together, their favorite past times was traveling and yelling, “bingo” at Charging Horse. He built his own tire shop business from ground up through sweat, hard work, and determination. He enjoyed his customers and teasing his friends and relatives through his business. He raised chickens, loved his huge lawn, and took care of his family and dogs. Charles was very proud of his granddaughter Rosalia and would support her in all endeavors. In 2012, Rosalia was inducted into the National Honor Society at her college. He bought his own plane ticket and traveled over to stand by her side to show his support. On birthdays, he would belt out a peyote birthday song to whomever was celebrating.
He is preceded in death by his parents, sons Charleston James, Charlo, and daughter, Charlmaine.
He is survived by his wife, his children Charlene (Bucky), Robert Charles, Charleston Jacob (June), Sharlmaine, Brenda Timber, Debbie (Scott) Russell, Yvonne, Makayla, Rosalia Badhorse, sisters, Margaret RisingSun, Rose Backer, and Bertha (Morton) OtherBull 21 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, 1 great, great grandchild, special grandchildren, Talon Ducheneaux, Ashley Yellowrobe, and many others who adopted Charles and Patricia as their grandparents.
He leaves behind many relatives, his tire customers, bingo family and friends.
Remember the man that would not stop to rest. Hardworking, funny, and caring. The man with the most stylish hair on the Northern Cheyenne reservation.
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Sunday July 1, 2018
Yellowfox Family Home
HWY 212 West of Lame Deer MM 39
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Monday July 2, 2018
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer , Montana 59043
Interment
12:00 PM
Tuesday July 3, 2018
Black Hills National Cemetery
Sturgis, South Dakota 57785
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Sunday July 1, 2018
Yellowfox Family Home
HWY 212 West of Lame Deer MM 39
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Monday July 2, 2018
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Lame Deer , Montana 59043
Interment
12:00 PM
Tuesday July 3, 2018
Black Hills National Cemetery
Sturgis, South Dakota 57785
KIMBERLY SPANG says
WE WERE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF CHARLES’ PASSING…. PRAYERS TO HIS FAMILY… REST IN PEACE CHARLES….YOU WILL BE MISSED.
Orie Medicinebull says
My condolences to the family in honor Charles Yellowfox. Sending prayers and blessings to the family. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Jack Fleming says
Charles was always friendly and welcoming to me when I worked funerals on the reservation.
He will be missed. Journey on Charles.
Randy and Cora Stennerson says
Rest in peace Charles. Condolences to the family.
ROBERT J. LITTLE WOLF says
TO THE FAMILY OF CHARLES YELLOWFOX, JR., THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR MOST HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOST OF A BELOVED LOVED ONE.
Denise swank says
To Charlene Bobby n rest of the kids sorry for the loss. To Pat n girls as well condolences. For all the grands n great grands. Know that the Tire man. The dude with the Kool hair do the guy whose lucky at bingo n one of the great peyote singers I know that he is now a healthy young man. Pain free n celebrating his new life with other relatives friends family n most of all with Maheo.
Koko Hiwalker says
Condolences to the family. He was one of my best customers at charging horse casino.
Ann Knows His Gun & Family says
Always sad to lose our Elders. Nothing but Respect for him. Prayers & Condolences to Pat & family. R.I.P. Mr. Charles Yellowfox
Tammy Anthony says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Charles. He is free of pain now. Our memories will last forever even though he will be missed. We will miss his teasing and wonderful sense of humor. We always enjoyed our talks of your culture. His pride and knowledge will be remembered. Until we meet again our friend!
Tammy & Tom Anthony
Ruth Costilla & Family says
SO SORRY TO HEAR OF CHARLES PASSING, HE WAS A GOOD HEARTED PERSON WHO WAS ALWAYS CHEERFUL AND MAKING PEOPLE LAUGH.
PRAYERS FOR ALL HIS FAMILY, MAY GOD BE WITH YOU IN THIS SAD TIME AND FILL YOUR EMPTINESS WITH GOOD THOUGHTS KNOWING THAT HE IS NO LONGER SUFFERING BUT IN A BEAUTIFUL PLACE CALLED HEAVEN.
joe foxjr says
Prayers, an Condolences, to the family may you rest in peace. Proud to have serve with you as tribal leaders.
The Hill Family says
Please accept our sincere heartfelt condolences for your loss. It breaks our hearts when death separates us from our loved ones. The God of all comfort is close to the brokenhearted and He has great compassion for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one (Psalms 34:18). May you find comfort in His grand promise to bring an end to tears and death (Isaiah 25:8). It is our hope that these thoughts will help to ease your sorrow in the days ahead as you cherish your most treasured memories.
Jim and Rita Alderman & Family says
Our sincere heartfelt prayers to the entire Yellowfox Family during this time of loss, and shared deep sense of loss to our tribal community with the irreplaceable knowledge of our culture. His children all friends and neighbors whom we hold in the highest regard may God Bless each with the richest of memories
Patty Kay Brien says
Sending my condolences to the family & friends of Charles Yellowfox.. You’re in my thoughts and prayers..
Dyron Phylliss ShoulderBlade says
Rosilia my heart broke for you bc I know how much ur grandfather meant to you all…my prayers n condolences to you all.
irvin farr says
R.I.P.
rick wolfname says
The spirit of our friend, colleague, and brother-in-law lives on to this day. The journey spent here on this land is cherished through collective memories and good moments. Some great moments: Beaver and I coaxed him to the ER clinic in Rapid City. The ER colored nurse would look at him and tell him, “You look just like my grandfather!” He got well soon thereafter; Spud, our grandson blew out all his birthday candles before all the other grandkids had a chance to blow them out; His birthday at the church was full of family and friends and grandkids on his surprised celebration. To ALL the family and relatives, he valued family and relatives and the Cheyenne People and wanted his household grandkids to have the best upbringing. FR: Wolfname’s, 2023