Melbert J. Eaglefeathers (Moke)
Moke Eaglefeathers came into this world on Highway 212 on May 11, 1953 to Milton and Mamie Eaglefeathers. Moke’s Indian name was Ve’keseheveho, “Bird Chief” and is a descendant of Chief Dull Knife. Moke has a rich history in a long line of Chiefs. Moke passed away peacefully at his home in Butte on May 31, 2016.
Growing up in Busby, Moke attended the Busby Boarding School. His basketball legacy started in High School as a Busby Eagle where he later was penned in a news article as “the Clown Prince of basketball”. Although making it to State all four years of his high school career, during his Junior year the Busby Eagles traveled to the State Tournament – winning the State Championship in 1971, Busby, 65, Saco, 64. Moke attended the University of Nebraska for three years leaving to play semi-pro.
In 1977, Moke met Sis Sargent of Minnesota and they shared a life together for 13 years. From their union, two beautiful boys were born, Mychal James Eaglefeathers (Helen) and Moke Eaglefeathers (Erin). During these years, he worked at the Colstrip Power Plant. As a young man, he struggled with his addictions, but with his father’s advice and his love for his boys, he overcame these obstacles. In addition, the traditional beliefs of his people, which he held in his heart, helped him win this battle as well.
He met Carol McGlynn at the Busby school, where she was a teacher, and they were married in 1995 until the present. Moke truly believed that his dad, the late Milton Eaglefeathers, sent her to him to save his life. Moke expressed to family by Carol giving him the ultimatum: leaving with her back to Butte or staying behind and possibly returning to his old life style, was the single biggest life changing event for him. This ultimately led him to the life he loved so much. Before his passing, Moke informed Mychal and Lil Moke to listen to her and do what she wants. He truly loved her with his whole heart. He began his career at the North American Indian Alliance (NAIA) when he moved to Butte. He started as the Youth Director and eventually became the Executive Director until his death. During his years at the NAIA, he was elected as President of the National Urban Organization, NCUIH. He traveled extensively and addressed both the Senate and Congress on Tribal and Urban health issues. He won many awards for his work for the urban council, one being the Falcon Award for his ability to work with the traditional tribes and the urban natives. One of his favorite events with the NAIA was their September Pow Wow and he was always proud and grateful for the teamwork of the NAIA in creating a positive and inspiring gathering. Moke was also appointed as an advisor to President Obama’s Native American Cabinet.
During Moke’s lifetime, he touched so many lives, there are too many to mention all of them. The family apologizes if we have forgotten anyone in our time of grief. Moke is survived by wife, Carol Eaglefeathers, Sons Mychal (Helen), Moke (Erin); stepchildren, Karey McGlynn, Dana Laclair, and John McGlynn; his sister Mildred; adopted sister, Rhoda Glenmore; and adopted brothers: Eugene Fisher, Mike Lande, Max Hiwalker, George Bement, Hyme Alexander, Calvin Wilson, and Boo Boo Spang; special grandchildren Brooklyn Eaglefeathers, Mychal Eaglefeathers; step grandchildren, Jake and Justin (Kelsey) Kraus, Blaize Mcglynn, Franchesca Taras, Kat, Lexi, and Ryan Laclair, and Selika and Payton McGlynn. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Moke was called back home by Ma’heo to be with his parents Milton and Mamie Eaglefeathers, sisters, Delpha, Marietha, Milene, and Twila Eaglefeathers, grandson Luke Eaglefeathers, adopted mother Clara Nomee, adopted brothers Logan Curley, Robert Bearchum, Gary Spang, Benny Limberhand, and Franklin Knowshisgun.
A Traditional wake will be held at 7:00 PM on Friday, June 3, at the Mamie Eaglefeathers residence in Lame Deer. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 4, at the Busby High School Gymnasium with burial following in the Busby Cemetery. A feast will be served at the High School. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth is assisting the family with these arrangements and condolences may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Friday June 3, 2016
Mamie Eaglefeathers Family Home
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Friday June 3, 2016
Mamie Eaglefeathers Family Home
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
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Rick Clemes says
Rest in Peace, Melbert, hope you are shooting those 3 Pointers with your friends now! Been great playing against you in the 1972 Class C Tournament-Busby vs Culbertson and later reconnecting with you in 1974 playing softball in Broadus. To his family, my dearest sympathy on your loss. Melbert was a very kind and gentle man. See you later and see if I can keep you to 6 point in the half!
Michael Speelman says
Rest in Peace, Moke It was a pleasure knowing you and visiting when ever you were we had the chance. Have a safe journey my Brother. Till meet again
Lynda Locher says
We will miss you Moke. Thanks for being a friend to our family.
Keith and Brenda Stabelfeldt says
Prayers of peace and comfort to all of Moke’s family. Keith has a lot of great memories of playing highschool basketball (Rosebud Wranglers) against Moke in the 70’s.
Denise Rodrigues says
It truely was an honor to work with Moke over the last 15 years, with him being the Executive Director and me on the Board of Directors at North American Indian Alliance. Moke worked wonders with our center and I believe our center wouldnt be what it is today if it wasnt for Moke. He was a great man, a friend and he will be deeply missed! May he rest in peace! Thoughts and prayers to Carol and to all of his children.
Denise Rodrigues and family
Bonnie Burns says
Will miss you mole. Thanks for everything you do especially the time you feed the gals from childcare at a cafe in Butte. Rest in peace
William E. Rowland says
Rest easy my friend … rest easy!
Jack and Carol Bailey. says
We loved watching Moke play basketball while in high school. He was such a great player and sportsman.
Walter C. Fleming says
Lots of great memories of Moke. I still have newspaper articles about the State tournaments. He was a great baller and friend. We got into trouble in Lame Deer, but it was worth it! Only able to golf with him once but will always remember him saying, “that’s why you pay green fees” when I fretted about a big divot.
Jim & Sheri Bement says
Sending our sincere condolences and prayers for the family
Georgia Ann Burns says
I have many fond memories of Mike. There was a time, when we were enemies. But turned out to be friends. We had a lot of good laughs!!
Prayers and comfort, to all his family and friends.
RIP
Moke
Ruth (Risingsun) Phillips says
I remember him as a soft spoken man, with a wonderful sense of humor, and a big smile. I watched Moke play high school basketball, and was there the evening he and his team won state. He was a gifted athlete, and a great person. My deepest condolences to his family and friends in Montana.
Colleen Johnson says
Moke inspired so many children younger than he during his days as a hugh school basketball player. He wasalways good natured and fair minded. His raw talent and live of the game was a winder to watch. You will be missed, Moke.
RBERT LITTLE WOLF says
ON BEHALF OF THE CHIEFS COUNCIL, WE EXTEND OUR MOST SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY. REST IN PEACE “MOKE”.
Irvin Farr says
Rest in peace…MOKE……
Boyd Robinson says
A purposeful life Moke lived with courage, humor and humility but taken too young. Prayer for family and friends.
Merlin Allerdings says
Our sympathies to Mokes family. I had the
great pleasure of playing high school basketball
against Melbert with Busby vs Plevna.
Still remember his great since of humor
telling me “my freethrow never counted
because it didn’t swiss”. We developed
friendship as opponents. Gods peace
to his family.
Merlin Allerdings.
Stan says
Mokena gave me a pair of ASICS basketball shoes from Japan during his travels. I relished those shoes. He’s playing ball in heaven.
Porter & Ann Knows His Gun says
Condolences to the entire family, sorry for the loss of Moke our legend of the Northern Cheyenne people
Lloyd & Colette (Pedder) Butcher says
I fondly remember Moke’s high school basketball years as my brother played against him many times as we attended school at Hysham. He was a friend to everyone on Boys 4-C basketball and always had a big smile on his face. It is nice to read about all he accomplished in his life, his family should be proud. My brother is also in heaven and I am sure he was happy to see Moke at the pearly gates. May you rest in peace Moke.
Robert Tree Cody says
Greetings to all My Cheyenne Relatives, I am Robert Tree Cody, I would like to personally express my sincerest condolences to the Eaglefeather Family. While living in Lame Deer many years ago, I had the honor to play Ball with this great Man and to have Him as a Brother and Friend. Rest in Peace Moke, Maheo welcomes you with open arms. Nya Eesh!!!!
Geri Small says
Rest in Paradise, Moke
Prayers and strength to tbe family.
Pamela Spang says
Condolences to all Moke’s Family. Leroy considered him a friend and was proud of him. All who knew him were lucky.
Alice Osceola says
My most sincere condolences to my Eagle Feather family…much respect!!!
Love yall,
Allie Osceola (FL)
Roxie and Calvin Wilson says
Moke was such a great and friendly person. He always had encouraging words and shared past experiences with Cal and I when we saw him. He would laugh and tell us jokes, and it was always so good to see him because he made you feel good. We were so sorry to hear of his passing, may the Lord give you strength during your loss.
Bonnie W. Bigback says
Moke chose to have a good life, to give to others and do for his communities he lived in as well as to give his love to his wife and family. We will not forget Moke or the smiles he brought to us as we watched him play basketball. From this short person to you tall one–may you be at peace and may prayers of comfort go to his wife and family.
Tim Redwood says
Fondest memories I have of Moke Eaglefeathers is seeing him play basketball in Indian Tournaments when I was young boy. When I was in my senior year of high school, Moke and fellow team mates from Lame Deer were playing in a Christmas tournament in Frazer, Mt. His team was short handed and they picked me up to play with them. With seven players we made it to the final only to fall short to a team led by Carmen Birdsbill. Fond memories of playing with Moke and watching his athleticism on a basketball court. I wish I could have gotten to know him more in life as I see he touched so many lives with his own. May the Lord God, our Creator comfort his family during times of sadness and sorrow when a loved one is missed.
Respectfully,
Tim Redwood (Bushman)
Calgary, Alberta (formerly of Wolf Point, Mt.)
Mike and Claudia says
We are grieving his departure
We celebrate his time with us
We honor his wisdom
We will miss his laugh
I will build a small fire for moke, his family and those he helped
We know he is with us
thank you moke
Charles Headdress says
Charlie Headdress says,
I met Moke later in life but knew of him and his basketball when he led Busby to the State Championship. At the time I was a young Infantry Sgt. stationed in Berlin, Germany patrolling the Berlin Wall. My parents used to send me the local papers and the Billings Gazette and I looked forward to the sports pages and read all about Moke and his stellar basketball playing. I am the Vice-Chairman of the Fort Peck Assiniboine/Sioux Tribes, and first met Moke at a meeting in Billings, and we became good friends. For the next 10 years or so we would be at a Tribal meeting all over the state and those of you who attend these meeting know how boring they can get at times and you just need to step out in the lobby and take a break. Moke would look over at me and snap his head in the direction of the door and we would saunter out into the lobby and plop down on the big plush chairs they had out there. Moke would keep me laughing the whole time and he even gave me some tea or something like that from China and told me to try it and if i liked it he would order me some. Moke my friend thank you for your humour and friendship. Fly high and we will see you on the other side.