Charles Warrior

Charles Star “Mi’kai” Warrior left this world to join his loved ones in Heaven on January 29, 2022, at the age of 40. He was born on August 15, 1981, to James Warrior, Sr. and Eugenia Sadie (Brown) Warrior. Charles grew up in Ponca City, OK in a community affectionately known as the “East Roads”; he was proud of his roots and never forgot where he came from. At heart, he remained a country boy and loved telling his sons about his adventures at the river (his river, as he dubbed it), spearfishing with his brothers. He enjoyed playing basketball and his natural athleticism led him to receive the very first Shinney trophy at the annual tribal games. He remained proud of that achievement and never let an opportunity pass to remind his many brothers just who held that honor. Charles entered the boxing ring in his teens and excelled, making a name for himself locally; during that time, he also became a published author of a poem. He was a champion horseshoe player, attending and winning tournaments all over Oklahoma. Charles was an avid OU fan, and a champion Wii bowler- often hosting tournaments at his very own “Arrf Arrf Lanes”. He returned to school in his 30s, receiving his GED at Pioneer Tech and then went on to get his heavy machinery certifications. He loved working outside, building things, and teaching his sons how to do just about anything. He was proud to be a Dad, and everyone knew when his “babies” were in residence. Charles had the orneriest smile and his bear hugs could pop your back, but they were the best. He never met a stranger and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need; and anyone who stopped by his house left fed and taken care of. He fancied himself quite the chef and made a mean bowl of hamburger gravy and fried potatoes; he also quite nervily enjoyed critiquing all the food sent to him by way of the kids and their mom. Charles held many positions in the tribal arenas and was at his very best when he was in the circle. His family was his first love and his culture was his second. Charles enjoyed spending his leisure time listening to music, reminiscing, and enjoying life with his “Bros” and nephews in the Ft. Oakland community. Anytime he wasn’t home watching his movies or playing video games with his boys, he could be found in the company of Junebug Paschal, Sonny Calls Him, James Harjo, and Vincente Warrior.

Charles met the love of his life in 2000 and would go on to marry Leah (Primeaux) Warrior in 2001. They welcomed their first son-his pride and joy, Patrick Winterhawk, in that same year. There wasn’t anything Patrick did that Charles was not proud of. In 2005, Sophia Louise arrived and shined her light for 3 months and 14 days, sadly leaving this world and her grieving parents and brother behind. Shortly after her passing, in our tribal way, Anecia Daynelle Warrior was presented and given to Charles, Leah, and Patrick as their own. Charles fell in love immediately. He mourned Sophie’s passing very deeply, but found joy in little signs that she was near; he never let a ladybug pass him by without thinking of her and made sure he shared these visits with Leah and the kids. As the years passed, Charles and Leah “acquired” several more children, and then grandchildren. Charles loved each and every one of them deeply and made sure they all knew that. Charles and Leah would eventually separate, but continued to be active in each other’s lives. Their love, their friendship, and the 20 years of companionship were unbreakable. The pain and senselessness of Charles’ death will be felt forever by everyone who knew and loved him.

Charles is survived by his wife, Leah Warrior; “Pops” Stephen M. Lieb; his children Jalen and Tommi Kemble of Tonkawa, son Patrick Winterhawk Warrior of the home, Victor Valdez II of the home, Anecia Warrior of Red Rock, OK; nieces Shannon Daugomah and Brandee Warrior of Tonkawa, nephew Mah-Ah-Zhinga Primeaux, and one Goddaughter, Lillieahna Pearl Camp of Tonkawa. His siblings: William Daugomah, Harrison Daugomah, Margret Ricario, Louise Stevens, Fred Warrior Sr., Sarah Rhodd, Mildred Warrior, James Warrior Jr., Lamont Warrior Sr., Sadie Warrior, Rollar C. Warrior Sr. and son, Aston Warrior, Joseph Brown Sr., Jason Cerre, Paschal Cerre Jr., Odie Brown Sr., Theumba Lieb, Brandon Corrington Lieb, Aria Lieb, Sky Lieb, Robert ‘Junebug’ Paschal, Elwood ‘Beb’ Calls Him, James ‘Honey’ Harjo, Timothy Primeaux, C. Albert Primeaux, Leroy Enloe, and Lila Sue Warrior of Enid.   As well as many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. Charles is also survived by his all day, everyday companion, his dog daughter, Zhapa.

Charles was preceded in death by his baby girl Sophia Louise Warrior, parents James and Eugenia, grandparents Eugene and Mava (Roy) Brown and Lamont and Mildred (Horse Chief Eagle) Warrior; his uncles Adolphus Warrior, Anthony Warrior, Leroy Warrior, Clement ‘Chigger’ Warrior, Colonel Mayes ‘Ponca’ Warrior, and Larry Warrior; one aunt, Alice Brown. His brothers Dwayne ‘Pork’ Warrior, Brandon ‘Bing’ Warrior, Wahskon Camp, Joey Clark, and one sister Norita Arkeketa.

Charles will lie in state at the Tonkawa Gym on Saturday, February 5th, 2022 and will have a traditional Noon feast on Tuesday, February 8th at the Tonkawa Gym with funeral services to follow immediately after the giveaway with Pastor Jimmie White and A.J. Carney officiating.

Pallbearers will be: Jalen Kemble, Patrick Warrior, Victor Valdez II, Fred Warrior Sr., James C. Warrior Jr., Robert ‘Junebug’ Paschal, Elwood ‘Sonny’ Calls Him,  and Vicente Warrior.

Honorary pallbearers will be: Leroy ‘Elroy’ Enloe, James ‘Honey’ Harjo, Theumba Lieb, Brandon Lieb, Aria Lieb, Sky Lieb, Fred Warrior Jr., Alonzo Warrior, Felix Ricario, Brandon Warrior Jr., Chase Warrior, Chante Warrior, Ashton Warrior, Lamont Warrior and sons, William Daugomah, Harrison Daugomah, Joseph Brown Sr. and son, Jason Cerre, Paschal Cerre Jr. and sons, Thomas Ide-xaga Primeaux, Keaton Calls Him, A.J. Carney, Aaden Bhead Buffalohead, Justin Mitchell, Noah Bhead Buffalohead, Alby Primeaux, Timothy R. Primeaux, and C. Albert Primeaux, Rollar C. Warrior Sr. and son, and Bronc Arkeketa.

Online condolences may be made at www.gracememorialchapel.net.