Clayton John Small (“Whistling Elk”), a Cheyenne cowboy and Ceremonial man was well-known as a kind and helpful man who was extraordinarily gifted by our Creator Maheo. His big flashing smile will be missed by many people.
The son of Clayton Small Sr. and Darlene Bement Small, was raised as the beloved child of his grandparents Jesse and Eldora Bement and Horace and Mabel Small.
Clayton loved his cultural and traditional ways of life. Both of his grandmothers spoke fluent Cheyenne and belonged to the Elk Society which allowed them to instill all their wisdom and love in Clayton. They paved his path as a Sundancer and ceremonial faster. He often said that when he got lonely for his grandparents, he would take a drive to Bear Butte because that is where they came to visit him. He said they walked across the clouds at Bear Butte to see him. This is where we will find our beloved son, Whistling Elk.
Clayton worked extremely hard all his life for his family. He built three ranches from the ground-up in his short lifetime. As a father and husband, he was a wonderful provider and protector. Clayton was a very proud father of his three beautiful children and knew his children would make good homes and lives for themselves. He instilled hard work ethic in and out of his home and introduced them to many arenas in life giving them an advantage to handle business for their lives. He never bragged about his success but always encouraged others in their goals.
Clayton had a remarkable eye to see opportunities and he created many diverse businesses. His rise to being a successful entrepreneur is most remarkable given that Clayton started out as a young father, living on a tough Reservation. Clayton was up at the break of dawn and worked hard till well after dark. Despite all his obligations, he always had time to help others, a wonderful example is taking on the responsibility of feeding his mother’s cows after Jerry passed away.
Clayton’s athletic life consisted of Pow Wows, golfing, basketball, rodeo, and coaching boy’s high school basketball at St. Labre. Clayton was voted Coach of the year by all Class C Coaches in 2011 & 2012. Clayton’s success in the face of many challenges is an example that many families use to encourage their own children to never give up.
Clayton’s mother and her husband, Jerry Dean Small, provided him with a strong foundation in ranching and rodeo. Big Jerry loved to brag on Clayton and Jerry always had his back.
Clayton grew up very close to his many cousins and had special relationships with each of them. He was particularly close to the late Shawn Del LaFranier, who he grew up with and will be laid to rest by his side.
Clayton was the spark in the room and as witty as them come! You already knew what was coming by the grin on his face and his contagious laugh. He was one of the oldest cousins of the family so he could get after the younger cousins and still be like a younger brother to his uncles. He was at ease in whatever company he found himself and everyone loved when he showed up, especially on the dance floor!
Clayton is survived by his wife Megan, his children Colton (Megan); Shawn Del (Quintana); G’Naiya; his four grandchildren: Bristol, Tyke, Blaze, Araya; parents Clayton Sr. (Maha) and Darlene; Sisters: Annette (August), Shawna (Ken), Samaya, Quillan; Brothers: Skylar, Jason Small; Aunts: Georgiann (Bruce), Jennie Lou, Wanda, Carla, Gail (Joe) Geri; Uncles: Clifford, Horace Jr. (Ava Lee), JC (Annie), Robert, George (Georgia), Geofredo (Jackie). Godchildren Tasia Scalpcane, Tucker Simpson, Cody Magpie, and Cleveland Bement.
Also preceding him in death, his Grandparents; Jesse & Eldora Bement, Horace & Mable Small; his stepfather Jerry Small; Uncles Gerald LaFranier, Cordell Small; Aunts C Octa Small; Cousins Shawn Del LaFranier, Taezha Small, George Kellum; and nephew Keeshawn Scalpcane.
Extended families include: Bement, Duffy, Spotted Wolf, Spang, Flying, Cooper, Harris, Woodenlegs, Spotted Elk, Seminole, Wolfname and Burns. Please forgive us if we have forgotten to mention names.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00 AM
Saturday January 21, 2023
Allan Rowland Gymnasium
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday January 21, 2023
Small Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00 AM
Saturday January 21, 2023
Allan Rowland Gymnasium
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday January 21, 2023
Small Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
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Donna Small says
What a loss. Hugs and prayers to the family. My heart is breaking! RIP my friend!
Robert Custer says
Clayton Junior was a great person. He well be missed by so many. My condolences and prayers to the family.
Robert Custer says
Clayton Junior was a great person. He will be missed by many. My condolences and prayers to the family.
Brenda Bird says
Our sincere condolences to the family of Clayton prayers for everyone
Cindy Cartwright says
I am so sorry to hear of the of a great friend and warrior. You will be missed, your entry fees are paid. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family and friend. RIP Clayton
Avalee says
He always greeted everyone with the biggest smile , he was an awesome person to know and be around. My sincere condolences 💐 to the family as he will be dearly missed. May Creator bless your journey home Clayton. See you later 🙏🏽❤️ god bless
Jon Matovich says
A true friend and a remarkable person.
My condolences and prayers for all who he touched.
Barbara Bement says
There are no words I can say for this great loss of a son, father, cousin, nephew, gpa, no more pain nephew 💔
Jerry Kinzel says
Condolences to Clayton’s family. May you Rest In Peace
Carrie Manning says
Sending our condolences to the family. May the Lord Father God Creator comfort you during this time.
Rob and Carrie Manning
Wolf Point, MT
Tescha Hawley says
On behalf of the Day Eagle Hope Project we send our condolences to the entire family . Clayton brought his entire staff to harvest 7 of our most sacred Buffalo to fed our people . We prayed with you and for you , may your journey well . Your work on earth is done . Those Buffalo are carrying you as you helped feed our people . Much love and respect for Fort Belknap .
Dale Campbell says
My condolences to the family.Clayton was a good man.He will be missed by many. RIP see you another day Cowboy.
Lori fourhorn says
Clayton always had a smile and a HELLO …you will be missed my neighbor…
Phyllis Curley says
Sending prayers and condolences to Clayton’s family. He was a remarkable person, always kind and courteous. RIP cuz. 🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼
Tim Laedeke says
Sorry for the Small family’s loss. Rest in Peace.
Lisa Basila says
I feel so fortunate to have such fun memories with my cousin. We were so young and carefree, not a concern in sight. I loved his smiling eyes and his hard teasing drove me nuts. My heart breaks not only for his immediate family, but also for his aunts and uncles… all of his relatives and those fortunate enough to know him. Love you Clayton, only wished you and I made more of an effort to to reconnect as we grew older.
Marjorie Bearing says
That smile though…..sending my condolences to Clayton’s mother Darlene, sister Annette & his entire family. Our entire community will miss his presence. His kindness was genuine & he was so friendly and outgoing, but he was a strong Cheyenne man who stood his ground when he had too. Keeping you all in prayer.
Joe Fox Jr says
My fren you’ll be greatly missed my prayers and Condolences to your family I sure enjoyed our time Traditonal dancing in the Powwow circle you was a dancing Champion you sure accomplished alot great things during your time as Cheyenne people say my fren well see you Again
Marie Powell says
Clayton was a good man he will be missed by all my condolences to the family
Michael Cooper says
My dear cousin. We will meet up at the park in heaven. Rest easy in Him. Say hello to the folks from me.
Ann Knows His Gun says
My Deepest Condolences * Prayers for Clayton Family. RIP Clayton Jr
Joleeneastmanspang says
We are going to miss seeing you at warrior store in Ashland travel well so sorry for your loss Darlene and family he was such a great person
Candy La France Felicia says
Prayers and hugs to his boys. Thank you for reminding others small business can thrive. You inspired others to grow themselves and do well.
Alaina Buffalo Spirit says
Rest in the heavenly realm my dear friend, your friendly, outgoing nature was awesome! You touched many lives with your kindness and great smile. My sincerest condolences especially to Darlene, it’s the saddest most difficult time in our lives to lose a son. May Maheo wrap you with loving, gentle warmth as you walk through one of the most difficult times a mother has to endure. Prayers for you and your family.
Leona Duffy Keltner, Linda Duffy Glassman says
Linda and I are sending prayers and thoughts to all.
Carla & Jay Johnson says
Deepest condolences to Darlene and family in the loss of Clayton Jr. I didn’t know him but heard lots of good things about him. Prayers to stay strong for the family and you all will meet again!
Sylvia Zimmer and Darold says
Always enjoyed Clayton and his stories when we stopped by the grocery store… he will definitely be missed..
Denise and Jay Harvey says
Jay (Clayton Sr’s college teammate) and I are so very sorry for the loss of such a fine man. May you feel comfort in this difficult time and those ahead.
Denise and Jay Harvey
Miles City MT
Jane Smith says
A friend is never gone, his spirit lives on in the memories of those who love him…condolences to his family and loved ones. R.I.P Clayton.
Melissa and Isaac Royston (whitewolf) says
Sending our Condolences to the Small family. Whenever I saw Clayton, I always thought of Shawn Del, they were always together and now they’re together again. Sending our prayers.
Gayene Knowshisgun-Page says
So sorry to hear this. He was always full of smiles, friendly and always had joke or ready to crack someone up with his humor! ‘I’m glad we got to see you this summer before our trip’. Northern Cheyenne lost a good hearted man. Rest well, all cowboys go to heaven!
Mike and Paula Childers says
Our sincere condolences to Clayton’s family. He was always smiling and friendly when he came to our shop. He will be missed. May your memories give you peace and comfort.
Danetta F says
My dear Darlene. Gosh simply not enough to say I’m sorry! My deepest condolences to you and your family. I feel your deep pain. Let me carry some for you. prayers for Maheos healing mercy and especially his Peace upon you. Only Maheos knows why. Clayton was a sun dancer annd ceremonial man and that’s how I choose to remember him!!! Go with God Clayton and don’t look back !
Jennifer Baumann says
My condolences go out to all who loved Clayton. He will be sorely missed by all.
Tammy Hoffman says
My thoughts and prayers to all the family. So Sorry for your loss!!
Jared Bankey says
Rip to this honorable man.
Daniel Prasad says
Clayton was not just a coach, he was a great teacher and role model. I will miss him. Journey well coach.
Jim Jones says
We worked together on various construction projects around Lame Deer and he was such a nice young man, always had a smile and a kind word. He would always have time to stop and chat when we would see each other in Miles City. I considered a good friend
Tex Claymore says
My thoughts and prayers with the entire family. Paragraph.
Although I never had the honor of knowing Clayton I know both the small and I met families from when I lived in Busby in Ashland and I know that he came from good people.
IVery sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.
Nellie Speelman says
For a young man who did a lot good in such a short time. You left your mark and will not be forgotten. My love and prayers to the family.
Brent B. says
I’m very sorry for the family and community’s loss of Clayton. An incredible man of strength, courage and determination. He was a pleasure to work with professionally.
Michelle L. Spotted Wolf says
Rest In Paradise cousin! Thank you for always greeting me with that huge smile that could instantly bring anybody out of a bad mood! I just want you to know that just for the amazing person you were you helped me through some hard times. My deepest condolences to my sister Annette who was there with me through my brothers’ deaths and my mons. I have so much love for you and Tiger. To my aunt Darlene and his kids. You’ll all be in my prayers.
Candy Fleming says
Sincere condolences are offered as are prayers for comfort. The lonesomeness will be deep. ClaytonJr’s legacy for family and community will be longlasting. Blessings for all who were touched by his good works and love.
Andrita Harris says
SMALL,& BEMENT family, Megan, Darlene, Colton,Shawn Del and G’Naiya. My Deepest sympathy and condolences to the family. Clayton was great Dad, good friend of mine.
RIP COWBOY PRAYERS
Orlando Rodriguez says
Clayton was one of a kind he was one off the person I loved running into when I visited lame deer, he always made me laugh and his joking around my heart is empty loosing good friend like Clayton. My prayers go out to you and your Family. The Rodriguez/Whiteman Family.
Kari Dahle-Huff says
My condolences to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with them in this time of grieving.
Neroy N.Friday says
Our Sincerest Condolences the Family of Clayton Small from your neighbors, the Limpy Family. May you rest in peace and have a safe journey to the other side.
Myra Fisher says
RIP COUSIN THAT SMILE… THE GOOD MORNING COUSIN GREETINGS THE PAT ON THE SHOULDER, YOUR FACE TURNING BEET RED AFTER BEING TEASED . I miss that already, my thoughts and prayers are for you and the family 💜
AliceWhiteman Orlando Rodriguez says
RIP Cowboy! You had a smile that could brighten anybody’s day. Definitely broke the barrier on this one. Left too soon! Our prayers are always with your family and friends. Journey well!
sutherlandshoulderblade says
sure do hope for great greetings at the gates of the kingdom. my daddy Butt Butt sure would enoy a nice laugh or memory of past years. r.i.p
Elrena whitedirt says
Much prayers to Darlene, tuff losing your own son, only prayers carry you thru this next days and so on, it was a pleasure to make his moccasins during his pow wow time, .y condolence to his family
RS says
To vlayton’s family soo sorry to hear this he was a great guy as i deliver product to warriors grocery. Wow shocks me to no end over this he Always had a smile and greeted me big. This is another hard hit to Ashland. He will be missed by alot .. roam the skies now as u run with the Buffalo in open kingdom .God Took a special guy .. to claytons family sorry for your loss and no words can comfort right now .. but me being Lakota one bro to another go ride the bull in heven and when the thunder rolls across the sky i know its u doing what u loved to do … rodeo was your name and the ride was everything.. rest in piece and ya warrior grocery will NEVER be the same
Kelly Stevenson-Sargent says
My thoughts and prayers are with Clayton’s family.
Terry Flamand says
So sorry for your loss prayers for all
Gary Neumann says
Sending Prayers and Smudge for his journey. There is a new star in the sky.
Duane O. Matt says
We send our deepest condolences to all families/extended families.
Duane and Wanda Matt
Michael S Speelman says
Prayers to the Family..
RIP Clayton….
Julietta Matt says
I am so sorry for you and your family Clayton, I only got to meet your son once but he was a spitting image of you. I have put you and your family in my prayers and also on my prayer chain.
Julie Matt (Pitman)
Kathy Dawes says
My sincere condolences to you, Marlene, Geri, and family. My heart goes out to you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Debbie (Bixby) Young says
My love and condolences go out to Clayton’s family. You were always such a joy to be around. You will be missed by so many of us in the family. Debbie (Bixby,)Young.
Butterfly Rule says
My sincere condolences to such a remarkable person, his family and friends.