Charles DeCrane

Charles E. DeCrane, Sr., 94, of Pryor, Montana went to The Other Side Camp on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 while at the Billings Clinic in Billings, Montana. Baachía Balaxée (Courageous Warrior), a name given to him by George Goes Ahead Pretty, was born in Pryor on June 29, 1921 to Alexander Richard and Sarah Bull That Shows DeCrane. He grew up in Pryor with his parents, adopted father, Luke Rock, and 10 siblings. Charles attended St. Charles Mission School from 1st to 8th grade. He went to high school at Flandreau Indian School in South Dakota until he was drafted into the Air Force at the age of 17. He fought for his country during World War II as part of the 772nd Bomber Squadron. He completed tours in the Balkans, Europe, Tunisia, Sicily, Naples, Italy, Normandy, Northern France, Southern France, Rhineland, and North Apennines. He received the Good Conduct Medal, the Distinguished Unit Badge, and the One Oak Leaf Medal for his 3 years of service. After returning from the war, Charles worked as a ranch hand along with his siblings. He soon married Gladys Bird Hat in 1946. They made their home in Pryor, where they raised 9 children. They became faithful members of the St. Charles Catholic Church. Later on in his life, Charles worked for the BIA as a road construction operator. He also obtained his carpenter certification and worked in the construction field for many years. He retired from St. Charles Mission School as a custodian. Charles was also a part of the Crow Tribe's Executive Committee during the leadership of several tribal chairmen. Most recently, he had been a member of the Crow Tribe's 107 Enrichment Committee. Charles was proud to be a Mountain Crow. He was a member of the Greasy Mouth clan and a child of the Big Lodge clan. He was also a member of the tobacco society. He took part in Crow cultural ways such as sundance and sweat lodge, going into sweat even during the last years of his life. He was a traditional Crow powwow dancer and participated in handgames. He excelled at arrow throwing and Indian relays. Charles also enjoyed participating in rodeos, including the family's own rodeos. He was a great bareback rider and even rode a buffalo at a rodeo during Crow Fair. He participated in rodeos in Rome, Italy during his time in the Airforce. He was one of the first Native Americans to participate in rodeos overseas. Charles was the biggest Plenty Coups Warrior fan. He enjoyed attending basketball games at home and away. He also enjoyed hunting, spending time in the Pryor Mountains, and going to Red Lodge every year on the 4th of July with his family. Charles was a humble man. Although he experienced many things in his life, he did not always share them with others. Charles was able to witness the inauguration of President Jimmy Carter. While serving his country, he met Pope Pius XII in Rome. The Pope shook his hand, prayed for him, and gave him rosaries to give away to his siblings. He attributed his long life to meeting the Pope. Charles was the first Native American to participate in the Big Sky Honor Flights, which brought veterans like him to Washington D.C. to view the World War II memorial. He also attended President Barack Obama's 2014 State of the Union Address as Congressman Steve Daines' guest of honor. Charles is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Gladys Bird Hat DeCrane; siblings, Mary Dawes, Rose Turns Plenty, Thomas DeCrane, Josephine Whiteman, Beulah DeCrane, Vincent Goes Ahead, Sr., Carlson Sylvester Goes Ahead, Clement Goes Ahead, and Gloria Cummins; adopted sons Lewis Peshlekai and Raymond Bilitso; daughter, Agnetas DeCrane; and great grandsons, Michael DeCrane and Alexander Whiteman. Charles is survived by his sister, Agnes (Larry) Pretty Weasel; children, Joyce DeCrane, Reuben (Christine) DeCrane, Mary DeCrane, Ellsworth (Pauline) DeCrane, Berylene DeCrane, Althea DeCrane, Rachael Blaine, Lawrence (Martha) DeCrane, Angie DeCrane, Valerie (Clifton) Falls Down, Pauline Whiteman DeCrane, Barney Cummins, and Carlos Nomee; 21 grandchildren; 44 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and extended family including the Goes Ahead, Cummins, Whiteman, Pretty Weasel, Turns Plenty, Flat Lip, Spotted Bear, Morrison, Red Wolf, Black Hawk, Crooked Arm, Hugs, Not Afraid, Humphrey, Old Crane, Wall, Plain Feather, Roundface, Plain Bull, Williamson, Big Lake, White Plume, Bull Tail, Old Horn, Caplette, Bear Cloud, Bull Chief, Beaumont, Yarlott, and Peshlekai families. Please accept our apologies if we have missed anyone during our time of grief. At his time of death, Charles was the second oldest Crow Tribal member and one of the last Crow World War II veterans. He lived a long and blessed life, and will be remembered by these words from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3 Rosary 4:00pm, Friday at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Funeral Service 11:00 am, Saturday at St. Charles Mission in Pryor with interment at DeCrane Family Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of the staff at Dahl Funeral Chapel and memories may be shared at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com.