Tyrone Poore

On Saturday, January 9, 2021, our beloved husband, father, grandpa, and great-grandpa, Tyrone Poore, began his journey home.

Tyrone was born January 23, 1947 in Ponca City to Sidney and Jeanette (Primeaux) Poorhorse. He was a member of the Ponca Tribe and graduated from Marland School. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force on December 21, 1966 and trained as a Construction Equipment Operator as well as learned Civil Engineering Pavements.

Tyrone is a veteran of the Vietnam War where he earned several medals, including Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Small Arms Marksmanship, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign, and Air Force Commendation Medal. After his honorable discharge on December 20, 1970, Tyrone returned home and met the love of his life, Donna, and they were married on December 9, 1972. They had just celebrated 48 years of marriage.

Tyrone was the de facto family historian and there wasn’t a question he couldn’t answer. His family members knew they would hear a great story of the old days anytime they asked. Tyrone, along with Donna, could be counted on to lend a helping hand anytime they were called upon. One of their specialties was cooking and they cooked for many tribal funerals, dances, and dinners in the area.

Tyrone is survived by his wife Donna of the home and his children, Dawn Russell, Dean Russell, Suzette Rhodd and her husband Bobby, Amy Love and her husband Larry, and Johnny Poore and his wife India, 22 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren with one on the way. Also surviving are his sister Clara Hunter of Pawnee and Dana Poore and his wife Leoma of Hollywood, FL. He will also be missed by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Waiting for him as he makes his journey home are his grandparents, Jim and Ella (Smith) Poor Horse and David and Suzette (DeLodge) Buffalohead, his parents, Sidney and Jeanette (Primeaux) Poorhorse, his sister, Louise Gawhega, and brother Floyd, James (J.V.), William (Bill), Shawn, and Garrett.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons.

An evening service will be held at 7:00 pm at the Ponca Tribe Cultural Center Monday, January 11, 2021. Funeral services and traditional meal will begin at noon on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 followed by graveside services in the Ponca Tribal Cemetery.  No give away will occur. The Native American Church will officiate. Masks and social distancing are highly encouraged.