In Memory of
William F. Walks Along, Sr.
Age 64
April 29,1959 – February 29, 2024
Ma’hēō’o, the Great Spirit of the Universe, called home William F. Walks Along Sr. a husband, father, brother, son, uncle, grandpa, and a good friend to the many people who crossed paths with this Northern Cheyenne man. His given Cheyenne name is Wolf Chief or Ho’néhévého. William was born in Phoenix Arizona in Maricopa County on April 29,1959. He went to the peaceful spring-time Cheyenne camp late February 28, 2024. William died doing what he loved. He was presenting at a conference in Temecula, California advocating for more resources for his Cheyenne people.
William was an enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe of Montana. He was a direct descendant of his people who suffered or perished at the peaceful Cheyenne and Arapahoe Village at Sand Creek in 1864. Sand Creek held a special place in his heart. William was involved with the Sand Creek activities since 1992. In 1996 he testified before the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on the Sand Creek Massacre Study Act.
He was present at the White House when President William J. Clinton signed the Act into Law.
On an annual basis, William supported and participated in the Sand Creek Massacre Healing Run. He made a personal commitment to assist in the concerted efforts to preserve and protect the Sand Creek Massacre Historic Site. He recently accepted an invitation from the Sand Creek Massacre Foundation to serve on the Sand Creek Advisory Council.
Over the past 30 years, William served in various capacities with the Northern Cheyenne Tribe including the following: President, Vice-President, Tribal Administrator, Acting Natural Resources Department Director, Tribal Council, Grant Writer, Consultant, Paralegal, the current Tribal Executive Administrator, and the Current Chairman of the Lame Deer School Board.
As a young teen, William knew hard work and dedication. He often helped his dad out with their family cows before going to school. He woke up at 5 am every day to feed them. By 7 am he was ready and leaving for school.
William was a lifelong Bronco fan, an Alumni fan of Washington State Cougars, a Alumni fan of Montana State University Bobcats, and a fan/advocate of The Lame Deer Morning Stars.
He earned a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Washington State University and a Bachelor’s in Sociology from Montana State University.
William married to Clarice Walks Along on June 11th, 2005. He lived with his family in Lame Deer, MT on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation
William & Clarice started their 4th of July Breakfast in memory of Williams parents, Joe Sr & Victoria Walksalong since 2007 at the powwow grounds for the community.
William Sr. is preceded in death by his parents Joe Sr. and Victoria Walks Along, paternal grandparents Hugh and Mamie Walks Along, maternal grandparents Frank and Rose Long Jaw, and brothers Victor and David.
He is survived by his wife Clarice Walks Along and his daughter Mamie Walks Along and his son William “Champion” Walksalong, Jr. After he married his wife Clarice Walks Along, On June 11th,2005 his children included Michelene and Tony Bearcomesout, Autumn, Kenzie(Leslie) Big Back, Kenneth “Jeff” (Vanta) and Dean Wallowing Bull. Other survivors include James, Joe Jr. (Lynn), John, Isaac (Lori), and Sharon (John) Threefingers. William had many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren whom he loved dearly.
William’s Northern Cheyenne Family are: Whitewolfs, Limberhands, Bigbacks, Longjaws, Marshalls, BearComeOuts, Bradys, Yellowrobes, Baileys, Bearquivers, Beartusks, Wolfnames ,Limpys, Littlewhirlwinds, Freemans,
We apologize if we have missed including you in William’s extended family. William is with the ancestors and family who have gone before us sharing the journey he went on during his life.
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Thursday March 14, 2024
Lame Deer Mennonite Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Friday March 15, 2024
Lame Deer High School Gym
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Friday March 15, 2024
Walksalong Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Thursday March 14, 2024
Lame Deer Mennonite Church
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Friday March 15, 2024
Lame Deer High School Gym
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Friday March 15, 2024
Walksalong Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Share
Lillian Big Man says
It was an honor to work with WIlliam during his tenure on the school board and he will be deeply missed. William was very knowledgeable, humble and respected among his peers and in the community. Our board will definitely feel the void. My thoughts and prayers go out to his siblings but mostly his daughter Mamie.
Whitewolfs says
Rest in peace uncle, u will be deeply missed. Prayers for our family during this time. U were a big part of this community and greatly looked up too. We will feel ur absence in many different areas. U were a great leader and role model. Until we see u again.
C P says
My condolences to the family. When losing a loved one it can be unbearable. In the Bible book of Isaiah 25:8 Jehovah God promises soon to “swallow up death forever.” He also promises to bring back those who have fallen asleep in death (Acts 24:15). In a little while longer this kind of pain will be a thing of the past (Revelations 21:4). May these scriptures bring you comfort in this difficult time (jw.org)
Sharlene Evans says
Evans family says,
So heartbreaking and sorrowful that our cousin/brother has passed, we are sending our sincere condolences to his family, siblings and especially his daughter Mamie. Still unbelievable that he’s no longer with us. William was a cousin, friend, teacher, and mentor, and will be missed tremendously by many. He was a very wise man…RIP William.
Kimberly H says
As you mourn Williams’s passing, may his memory be a source of comfort and strength. My deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.
Sherry Hart says
In our younger years, I remember being at Montana State University, Bozeman, with William “Billy”, Sharon, and, I believe, John. William was very smart and intelligent, and when the rest of us had to study day and night to get a decent grade in our classes, he didn’t have to study at all for his class, and he would get an A. This was incredible to me. William was an amazing person with a big heart and love for everyone. His family and the community are in our prayers.
Roy & Stephanie Fisher, Sr. and Family says
Condolences to the family, especially Mamie. So hard to lose a father. Your Dad loved you very much. Always grateful for the support Mt. Walksalong showed for Morning Star Basketball.
Christine freeman says
So sorry to Clarice n Walksalong family’s sure going to miss his stories knowledge n sharing his Tim Horton coffee
Andy Kukes says
Condolences to the Walksalong family. Billy was a great classmate and longtime friend. Rest in Peace my friend.
Anne Hedges says
William was such a wonderful guiding light for so many. I appreciated working with him over the years, his strong commitment to his nation and community. He fought tirelessly to protect the air, land and water for future generations. He never ceased to inspire me over the years.