Obituary for Delbert “Smokey” Cole

Delbert “Smokey” A. Cole – Veteran

August 20, 1948 – October 23, 2016

Delbert A. ”Smokey” Cole who’s Ponca name is ”Gthe’ Dan Xude”, ”Gray Hawk”. Mr. Cole was born August 20, 1948 in Pawnee, OK, to Gilbert and Florence Calls Him Cole Jr. Delbert is a direct descendant of Wanxe Sabe ”Black Ghost” Broken Jaw of the old Northern Ponca’s of Nebraska. Delbert went on to meet the ultimate, Honorable the greatest most high ”Commander in Chief” our everlasting God on Sunday, October 23, 2016 in Wichita, Kansas.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at the Ponca Indian Methodist Church following the Traditional Noon feast and Give away with Pastor Jim White officiating. Interment will follow in the Ponca Indian Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Gilbert Cole, Gabe Primeaux, T.J. Calls Him, Nikius Reyes, Richie Little Cook, Phil Smith, Honorary Pallbearers will be Kern Kemble, Tyron Poore, Wilkie Eagle, Mike Laughlin and Doug Eagle. Arrangements are under the care of Grace Memorial Chapel of Ponca City.

Delbert A. ”Smokey” Cole served his country from 1968 to 1972 in the U.S. Navy as a Boatswains mate 2nd on the USS Saratoga CVA60, Mediterranean/ West Pacific.

Mr. Cole was very involved in Ponca Tribal Government, serving as Chairmen of the Tribe for several years and also implementing numerous programs, such as writing grants, establishing Food Distribution and the transportation department for his Ponca people. He also enjoyed participating in Tribal dances. Delbert was very active in the Alfred Little Standing Buffalo Post # 38 American Legion and he attended the Ponca Indian Methodist Church. During his spare time Delbert enjoyed fishing and spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by: 1 son; Albert Cole of Oklahoma City, OK; 2 daughters; Karla Reyes and husband Antonio, Lana Cole both of Ponca City, OK. 1 brother; Talbert Cole and 2 sisters; Sarah Primeaux and Connie Cole all of Ponca City, OK; grandchildren; Reagan Cole, Susan Geary, Nikius Reyes, Elsy Geary, Delvia Cole, Albert Cole Jr. and Allan Cole. Also surviving is Nephew Mike ”Little Weasel” Laughlin and numerous other nieces and nephews.

Delbert was preceded in death by his Grandparents; Gilbert Cole Sr. and Sarah No Ear Cole and George and Ellen Yellow Berry Sr. and parents; Gilbert Cole and Florence Calls Him Cole; 2 brothers; Robert Cole and Colbert Cole.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Ponca Tribe for them honoring Delbert as the first to be in the Veterans Section of the Ponca Indian Cemetery.

Online condolences may be done at www.gracememorialchapel.net