Henry Brightwings Jr

Henry James Bright Wings Jr. Deaxkaashe Xaxxe “Spotted Eagle” 76 of Lodge Grass, MT went home to be with the Lord on December 14, 2020. He was born April 4, 1944 in Crow Agency, MT, a son of Henry and Mary Bright Wings Sr. He was a member of the Whistling Water/Greasy Mouth clan and a child of the Piegan and the Native American Church. He grew up on the Lodge Grass Creek and attended Lodge Grass Schools and graduated from St. Labre Indian School. He attended University of Montana graduating with a degree in Natural Resources/Forestry. He valued the traditional Crow Indian ways of living. He maintained those values throughout his life and instilled them in his children and grandchildren. He worked with the bilingual program with the Lodge Grass Schools, Assistant Postmaster for the Lodge Grass area, various programs with the Crow Tribe from where he recently retired. During his tenure, he acted as chair and was a member on various committees from the launch of the 2001 Crow Tribal Constitution. He was very passionate when it came to the negotiations to develop the Crow Tribes Resources, that consist of gas, oil, +6+6coal, water, bentonite, air, and limestone. He voiced his opinion but, he made sure that he understood thoroughly before he spoke. As an educator, he emphasized the importance of education to his children and grandchildren. He utilized his degree in Natural Resources/Forestry as an avid fire fighter and was appointed Crew Boss during the Yellowstone National Park Fires in the late 80's. He married Daisy Mae Nomee on March 14, 1966 and the couple made their home in the Lodge Grass area. Henry was preceded in death by his parents, wife, daughters Annie and Rhea. Grandson Joshua Yarlott. Granddaughter Janet Bright Wings. Sisters Irene Hill, Juanita Stands, Kaneeta Red Star and Regina Stewart. Brothers Vincent Spint, Victor Dust Sr., Leland Anthony and Jimmy Little Singer. Aunts Leona Morning, Martha and Edna Dust, Amy Red Star and Edith Bird In Ground. Uncles Trask Little Light, Clive Dust Sr., Tex Good Luck, William Gros Ventre and John Wooden Legs Sr. Cousins Theresa and John Wooden Legs Jr. Survivors include his daughter Mary Althea (Aaron) Yarlott, sons Henry III (Garnett), Benjamin (Rebecca), Manuel (Yelena) Bright Wings and John Nomee III. Brothers Darrrell (Barbara) and Larry (Rhoda) Bright Wings. Sisters Shirleen Glenn, Henrietta (James) Takes Horse, Maria (Jerry) Pease and Flavina (Kirby) Bromley. Adopted brothers Manuel and Bernard Covers Up, Barney, Leroy and George Cummins, Wallace Jr., Kevin, Aaron and Marlon Red Star, Kenneth Spint, Ronnie Yellowmule, Garfield Little Light, Robert and Chester Nomee. Adopted sisters Bernadine Real Bird, Alda Good Luck, Polly Chase, Rosie Doyle, Josie Stands and Veronica Pretty On Top. Grandchildren Dewey, Justin, Matthew (Mallory), Heather (Greg), Kyla (Avery), Benjamin Jr. Bright Wings, Aljay, Kirby (Karlee) and Victor (Adrena), Yolonda and Marcia Yarlott, Vanessa (Jon) Williams, Jonahlyn Dust, Kyson, Kalio, Sarai and Kali Bright Wings. Taryn, Vance, and Bryce Werk. Numerous Great Grandchildren. Extended Families include Gros Ventre, Dust, Old Bull, Morning, Red Star, Good Luck, Stewart, Walks Over Ice, Fitzpatrick, Pretty Paint, One Bear, Kaline, Shoulderblade, Small, Seminole, Eagle Feathers, Woodenlegs, Kingfisher, Brady, Glenmore, Stevens, and Sioux families. He has a large family, too numerous to name. If we have forgotten anyone, please accept our apology in our time of grief. A Funeral Service will be held 11 a.m. Friday December 18, 2020, at El Bethel Church in Lodge Grass, Montana. Burial will follow at Lodge Grass Cemetery.