Paul Littlehead, “Nahkȯxhaahketa” (Little Bear) age 73, of Lame Deer passed away at St. Vincent HealthCare in Billings on April 13, 2015. He was born September 27, 1941 in Lame Deer to John and Dora (Fighting Bear) Littlehead. During his youth he lived in Birney and Lame Deer, attending grade school in Lame Deer. His high school years were spent between Busby and Cosltrip High Schools. Paul achieved his GED and headed off for school in Havre at Northern Montana College. It was there that he met the love of his life, Alice Big Knife. They were married in Box Elder on December 21, 1962. Through this union they were blessed with five children: Paula, Ronald, Jack, Iva, and Dawna.
When Paul was only 17 years old he started working as a firefighter, and made that a lifelong career. His last time out was as the Camp Crew Boss when he was in his 60’s. Paul was part of the relocation program and moved his family to Rhode Island and returned home to Lame Deer. Several years later he was part of the crew that built St. Labre Church and worked for Bechtel in Colstrip, building units 1 and 2. He also drove the bus for HeadStart and Lame Deer Public School and worked for the Northern Cheyenne Police Department as a police officer and dispatcher.
Paul had a great love for sports, especially Boxing and Basketball. He would always talk about how many times his team won the Independent Tournaments; of this he was very proud. In his later years, he competed as a Cross Country Runner in the Big Sky State Games and Senior Olympics. Paul was also a traditional dancer and won many contests. He also played baseball.
He was known for running up Lame Deer Hill and was a great inspiration to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was very proud of two distance runners, Tamia Rose and Destynee Rose. Paul loved to hear about all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s accomplishments.
Paul leaves a great legacy behind with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife, Alice; sister Kelly Anne Littlehead; his 5 children: Paula (Clyde) Wolfblack, Ronald Littlehead, Sr., Jack Littlehead, Iva (Eric) Lockwood, and Dawna Littlehead; 19 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He raised 3 of his grandchildren: Ronnie Jr., John, Tonya, and he and Alice were in the process of adopting their great-grandson, Baby John.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents John and Dora Littlehead, his siblings Maurice Littlehead, Caroline Nanez, Gloria Garcia, Dallas Littlehead, Rosalie Blue Bird, and Rena Spang, and 3 nephews Robert Garcia, Terry Little, and Leo “Smoky” Medicine Elk.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, case managers of Crow Hosiptal, especially Tina Hendrickson; the ICU doctors, nurses and case manager of St. Vincent’s Hospital; the Northern Cheyenne Public Health Nurses for their daily care of Paul while he was home. We appreciate the help from the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council as well.
A Traditional wake will be held 7:00 pm Thursday, April 16, 2015 at the Morningstar Baptist Church in Lame Deer. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am Friday, April 17, 2015 at the Morningstar Baptist Church with Burial to follow in the Allison Bixby Memorial Gardens in Lame Deer. A feast will be served at the church after the burial. Everyone is invited. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth is assisting the family with these arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Thursday April 16, 2015
Morning Star Baptist Church
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Funeral Service
10:00 AM
Friday April 17, 2015
Morning Star Baptist Church
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Graveside Service
12:00 Noon
Friday April 17, 2015
Alison Bixby Memorial Gardens
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Thursday April 16, 2015
Morning Star Baptist Church
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Funeral Service
10:00 AM
Friday April 17, 2015
Morning Star Baptist Church
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Graveside Service
12:00 Noon
Friday April 17, 2015
Alison Bixby Memorial Gardens
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Andrita Harris says
Littlehead Family
My deepest sympathies to all of you. Sorry for your loss. God Bless
Kim Knobloch family says
Paul was a great person to work with at Lame Deer Public School. He was always sure to speak with us no matter where we would encounter him. Paul will be greatly missed by all who have had the pleasure of knowing or being his friend. Our thoughts and prayers for the family and Paul has he is on his journey.
Thelma Fisher-Beaverheart says
May our Creator shine his light on Paul’s path as he takes his new journey to our relatives. Lord Jesus be with Paul’s family, grant them peace and strength during this trying time in there lives. I ask to comfort there hearts with your love and continue to bless his grandchildren and children and his wife.
Carl, Dallas, Tamia, Randall remember your grandfather’s strength for it will comfort you in the days ahead. Be strong…..
Kimberly Spang-Medicine Bull & Family says
Paula, Clyde & Littlehead Family,
Deepest sympathies to all of you. He was a wonderful man who raised a terrific family with great values. Cherish your memories of him each day knowing how much he loved each and every one of you. So sorry for your loss and god be with you at this time of sorrow.
Michael Speelman says
Safe travels My friend.
Keeping the Family in our prayers
Ambrose ,Sr.& Clementine Seminole says
Blessings on his journey back home ,prayers are with the families .
Melissa Whitewolf Royston says
Little Head Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathies to you and your loved ones.
Peter Bearcomesout says
Our prayers and condolences to the family of Paul, he was a good man. It is without a doubt that he is with all his relations and our people who went before him. Prayers for his family as they deal with this part of life. sta was eh womz my friend and neighbor.
Dean & Carrie (Littlebird) Small says
Our condolences and prayers for the Family of Paul Littlehead.
Janet Lassen says
My condolences to the family. I remember Paul from when I lived in Lame Deer and worked at the school. He was always smiling and helpful, and athletic too. Lame Deer won’t be the same without him. Sorry for your loss.
James Francis says
Safe travels my friend
Georgia Ann Burns says
My thoughts, condolences and prayers to Alice, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. May you have comfort in this time of sorrow!!!
Rhoda Glenmore (Eseeva'e) says
Prayers to your family.
Tina Hendricks says
Paula and family, my sincere condolences to you all! I am honored to be mentioned! I thank the Lord for the appointed time I had with Paul, he was a great man and a fighter! I had the opportunity to pray with him a lot, he asked for prayer all the time when he knew I would be gone for a while! He is thought of often! Prayers for you all always!
Mary and Jolyn Dillon says
To all Pauls family–Our thoughts are with all your family during such a sad time. May your faith in God and the love and support of family and friends bring you comfort . I have good memories of Paul. He was a kind and generous man; who always had a smile. Your family will be kept in prayer. Our most sincere sympathy.
Mary and Jolyn Dillon
John & Bonnie says
OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THIS FAMILY. WHEN YOU ARE IN NEED OF CONFORT, WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE AND SMILE. YOU WILL MEET AGAIN SOME DAY.
Christine Valentine says
I am so sad to learn of Paul’s death, He was a good man, always friendly. I send my sincere sympathies to all his family. I was away & learned of his death too late to attend the funeral.
Mattie Woodenlegs says
Paul was one of the many MIFF Crew Bosses that I had the privilege to work with during the Yellowstone Fires and others. My sincere condolences to the family and HUGS IVA, PAULA, DAWNA, ALICE, JACK…, I WILL COME SEE YOU IVA…
Miracle Lockwood says
Miss you gramps…<3 I love you always my old owl.. think about you all the time. #1 GRANDPA