Thomas King, age 45, of Lame Deer

Thomas Daniel King Jr. (Vé’kėséhéméó’o – Bird Trail) was born on April 28th, 1975 to Tom Mexican Cheyenne and Janis Spear. He was the oldest and first-born son of 6 children. Tom comes from Vóhpoométaneo’e (White River People), Oévemanaho (Scabby People), Póevónaneo’ (Navajo), and Váno’étaneo’o (Northern Arapaho), Hotóhkėson (Ogalala) He is a Fort Robinson and Sand Creek descendant.
As a child, Tom spent a great amount of time with his grandparents James King Sr., Lillian King, James Spear Jr. and Lucille Spear. He was an avid reader. He enjoyed comic books, especially Conan the Barbarian. He would buy joke books and tell the jokes to his siblings and friends.  As a boy, he was a fancy dancer and often traveled with his grandpa Jim when he would present colors and display his collection of artifacts. He spent a lot of time outdoors with his siblings, friends, and the neighborhood youth, running around in the hills and playing in the creek throughout all seasons of the year. Whether it was ice skating, sledding, picking berries, or building forts in the hills surrounding Lame Deer he loved being outside. Throughout the rest of his life, the outdoors continued to be a big part of his character.  He was a true outdoorsman, loving and appreciating his beautiful homeland whenever he could,  especially the Tongue River.
Tom had always been a competitive person, he loved the thrill of pitting his will and strength against others. He was an accomplished wrestler and participated in AAU tournaments, going to the Montana State Wrestling Tournament. Tom’s favorite game was basketball and he was a huge Michael Jordan fan. He started playing in middle school and while in High School, he excelled playing four  years of varsity basketball at St. Labre. He was also an accomplished football player. After graduating Tom continued playing basketball at open gym, in leagues, and independent basketball tournaments throughout the Northern and Southern Plains with various basketball teams. Many times, he received All-Star and MVP selections.
During his middle school and high school years he was recognized by his teachers for his work and intellect, receiving awards in several subjects. He made good friends with many teachers and administrators while at St. Labre.  He graduated in 1993 and then went on to Sheridan Community College for a semester.
Heavily influenced by the work of his paternal and maternal grandparents to protect and preserve Cheyenne artifacts, history, and way of life, Tom embarked on the journey of a ma’heónevo’ėstane. He dedicated his time to learning history from his grandparents and his instructors. He assisted his instructor and family several times in the ma’xevonȧhéome (Big Lodge). Tom loved singing. He began singing at local pow-wows with family and friends, learning from the men he looked up to. Tom began to sing at the ma’xevonȧhéome, often talking of the old-time singers from Birney whom he enjoyed learning old songs from. During the rest of his adult life Tom continued to sing extensively at many, many pow-wows and gatherings. His honest outgoing personality helped him forge many life-long friendships. Several of those friendships quickly turned into family, his singing brothers were very close to his heart.
In 1997, Tom’s path joined with the love of his life, Misty Welch. Becoming a husband and father was his greatest joy. He was so proud of his children, Morgan, Damon, Grace and Vitor.. The love he felt for his family was immeasurable. He would move mountains to be what they needed: protector, teacher, confidant, hero. Tom’s huge heart and mighty love was evident in everything he did with, and for his loved ones. He continually placed his own needs and wants second to those of his family. His selfless nature demonstrated that he was a family man before anything else. His unfaltering love was on display during our many family gatherings, which were a highlight of our time spent with him. Birthdays, holidays or just an impromptu dinner; whatever the reason, it gave  him an opportunity to showcase his culinary skills. Tom loved to cook for his family and friends, he put all his love into his creations.
In 1999, Tom attended the BIA Law Enforcement Academy in Artesia, New Mexico and upon his return home became a Northern Cheyenne BIA Law Enforcement Officer. After many years as a BIA officer Tom became the School Resource Officer at Lame Deer Public School and eventually beginning his career as the current Truancy Officer. However his favorite job has always been coaching. He loved to instill his own passion, knowledge and work ethic into his players. Not only did Tom teach the fundamentals of the game to his players but also how to navigate their own lives with pride, dignity and self-belief. He felt a great responsibility and honor to be part of his players’ lives both on and off the court.
On November 24th, 2015 Mae “Mobley” was born. Exactly on Tom and Misty’s anniversary, the most precious gift they could ask for. Tom was very proud to have become a grandfather. Mae was his only grandbaby, they shared a very special bond. He would watch Rodeos on TV with her, their absolute favorite was bull riding. He’d prop her on his knee, she’d throw her arm up in the air and he’d bounce her around. He would also watch boxing with her and teach her how to punch,  wrestle and fight. He would also take her fishing and berry picking. They made so many fond memories together.
Most recently Tom turned his competitive nature to the pool table and dart board. He traveled to many pool tournaments making friends everywhere he went and often bringing home hardware. Through his pool exploits he gained many more friends and family members.
Tom had a tremendous sense of humor. He spent many hours laughing and teasing with his family and friends. At times he would make comments, sometimes out of nowhere, that would leave you cracking up. Whether you were standing around together, sitting at the drum, or visiting, he always had a funny story or joke to tell. Tom’s specialty was renaming people and giving them memorable nicknames.
Sometimes, hard truths had to be said. Tom didn’t shy away from that. He always used his common sense and the knowledge that he picked up from those he respected. He prided himself on being honest and always speaking his truth. The integrity he had always showed in his actions and words.
Growing up, Tom was taught the values of friendship and family from his grandparents and parents. Tom would often go with his grandparents to visit their close friends. Tom’s parents adopted and brought others to the family. Throughout his life, he carried the values of family and friendships. He had many adopted family members, good friends, and extended family who he took on as siblings and close relatives. Tom and his family had a strong belief in the old time Cheyenne traditions and teachings. We are thankful that his relatives are there to welcome him home, they are reunited.
There are many family and friends that contributed to Tom’s life. We would like to acknowledge them.
Tom is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, James Bites Spear, Jr., and Lucille Seminole Spear, his paternal grandparents, James D. King, Sr., and Lillian Begay King.  His sisters, Miranda Shanta, Toy Parker, Crystal Red Robe-Parker, and brothers, William Davis, Jeff and Boonsie Parker, and Charles Brady.
Tom is survived by his loving wife Misty; daughters, Morgan and Grace; sons, Damon and Vitor King; granddaughter, Mae Badbear His parents, Tom Mexicancheyenne and Janis Spear. Brothers, Rufus, Lucas, Gabriel, Michael. Also JB, Jeff, Sheldon, and Woodsy King, Delbert, Gary and Darryl Spear, George Brady, Alvin Parker. Sisters, Lavonne King, Heather Spear-Limberhand, Therese, Becky and Newta Spear, Trisha Sherman, Denise Swank, Sara and Makyla King. Aunts, Wanda Brady, Kim Spear, Flora Parker. Uncles, Manford and Jim King. Nieces; Shanteeca, Makayla, Raya, Pae, Shay. Nephews; Andrew, Zee, Arisun, Vydal, Strong Calf, Grayson, Ira. He is also survived by his beloved grandma Jenny Parker.
Tom’s heart was so full of love, he had plenty to spare. The people that he connected with took him into their hearts and families. He is survived by adopted parents Randy Phelan, Yvonne Chase, Lyman Morin; brothers, Ty Morin, Yahsti Perkins, Jude and Tonez Phelan, Jermaine Bell, Pascal Shoulderblade, Melichi Fourbear, Gary Middlerider, Myron Bement, sisters Lynn Birdchief, Brandy, Adele, Alona, Miranda, Martha Phelan, Lucy Chapin, Garla Williamson. Adopted sons, Nolan Limberhand and Alex Walker and adopted daughter Tyanna.
Tom’s relatives are the descendants and relatives of Mexican Cheyenne, Feathered Wolf, Rolling Bull, Wallowing, King, Begay, Bites, Crazy Mule, Box Woman, Seminole, Yellow Eyes, Red Robe, Nice Talker, and Spear. If we have forgotten anyone please forgive us, our hearts are heavy and Tom has a large family.

Service Schedule

Graveside Service

10:00 AM

Saturday September 19, 2020

King Family Cemetery

Lame Deer, Montana

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