Thomas Primeaux

On this 3rd day of April, 2015 year of our Lord, Thomas Primeaux made his final journey to be with his Heavenly Father. Thomas was born January 11, 1955 to Press L. and Rachel Makescry Primeaux. He was 60 years of age. Thomas grew up west of Ponca City, in beautiful farm country, near the Chikaskia River. He was a proud member of the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma. His Ponca name was, Monchu Zhingah (Little Bear). He was of the Thi-Xhi-Dah clan, of which he was adopted into, as a child, by his grandfather Albert MakesCry, Sr. He was raised and taught Tribal tradition by his grandparents, and his mother. Thomas enjoyed all Tribal celebrations and events.

He was a life-long member of the Ponca Indian Nazarene Church where he served as Sunday School Superintendent for a number of years and was also a certified Lay Speaker in the Ponca Indian United Methodist Church, where he was a former Superintendent and Associate Pastor to Rev. Abraham Jackson and Rev. Lynn Eaves. He was well known for his singing of religious songs to all of the church community. Thomas loved his Lord and was always willing to share the Word with everyone he met.

Thomas attended school at Union #98 country school, West Jr. High and Ponca City Senior High. He was active in football and wrestling. He was proud of his State Championship wrestling medal that he earned in the 9th grade. In 1974, at the age of 19, he joined the United States Marine Corp. He received his "Boot Camp" training at MCRD San Diego. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA. He was in the 1st FSR 1st Marine Division, C Co., Ordinance Maintenance Battalion, during the Vietnam Era. He was very proud of his service in the Marine Corps.

Upon his return to civilian life, he was employed in the automotive field for several years. Thomas was employed with the Ponca Tribe for 15+ years. He was employed in several programs while working there, Ponca Tribal Housing Authority as Maintenance Supervisor, Ponca Tribal Food Distribution as Warehouse Supervisor, Ponca Tribal Land Management as Realty Specialist, and the Domestic Violence Program, as Acting Director. He was the First Ponca Indian male to become a State Certified Clinical Alcohol/Drug Counselor, CADC, while employed with the Social Development Center of the Ponca Tribe. He was also internationally certified in Alcohol/Drug counseling, as well as being a Certified Clinical Supervisor. He was Senior Counselor and enjoyed his time as a counselor, where he was able to help others in their recovery from Alcohol and drugs. Being a recovering Alcoholic/Addict, he was always ready to help others in need. At the time of his death he had 28 years of sobriety.

On November 8th, 1987 he and the love of his life, Sarah Ellen Cole were united in marriage and made their home in Ponca City where they had lived for the past 27 years. They were blessed with two children, his son, Gabriel T. Primeaux and his daughter, Rachel J. Primeaux. His wife and children where his life to him and he was a loving father and husband.

His enjoyments were bead working, watching his Oklahoma Sooners and the Miami Dolphins, Boston Celtics and the Oakland A's; spreading God's Word on Facebook; singing religious and other music; helping others whenever and however he could; and watching old movies on TV. His favorite time of year was Christmas. When he physically was able, he loved to hunt and fish. He enjoyed Cultural activities both watching and taking part in.

He is survived by his wife, Sarah, son Gabriel T. Primeaux and wife Cyndee, of the home; daughter Rachel J. Primeaux of the home; also sons, Toby Blackstar, Michael Johnson, Bruce Johnson, Stacy Favell, Tim Primeaux; Ten brothers, Floyd Billy Primeaux of Norman, OK; Clinton Primeaux of Ponca Cityhood; Loy Ray and Diana Nickens, Puyallup, WA and Jack and Betty Helsley of Ada, OK; Brian Kemble of Ponca Cityhood; Galva's White Eagle, Ponca City, OK; Albert MakesCry III, Weatherford, OK; Dwight MakesCry, Bethany, OK; Amos MakesCry, Bethany, OK and George Primeaux, of Ponca City,OK; Three Sisters, Anita and Rev. Ron Favell of Hodgson, Manitoba, Canada; Rose Edith and Steve Kaudle of Ponca City, OK; Dawn and Harley Buffalohead of Marland, OK; Numerous nieces and nephews and several grandchildren. Special mention to daughters; Leanna Flett, Tiffanie Thomas and Leah Warrior, Patti Bea Primeaux and Jennifer Feathers.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Press and Rachel Primeaux and infant brother, Chester.

Services will be under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. The First service will be held at the Ponca Indian Nazarene Church Saturday evening with the Rev. Louis Headman presiding, with the following services on Sunday to be held the Ponca Indian United Methodist Church in WhiteEagle, with Rev. Jim White presiding, assisted by Rev. Abe Jackson and Rev. Toby Blackstar. The Traditional Feast will be held at noon on Monday, April 6, 2015 with services to follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Ponca Indian Methodist Church.

Pallbearers will be; Gabe Primeaux, Tim Primeaux, Albert Primeaux, Michael Johnson, Bruce Johnson and Gilbert Cole. Honorary Pallbearers will be Alfred Arkeketa, Jr., Jerome Warrior, Gordon Warrior, Jesse LeClair, Jr., F. Billy Primeaux, Clinton Primeaux, Loy Ray Nickens, Jack Helsley, Morgan Grass, and Stacy Favell.