Cletis Don Satepauhoodle

Cletis Don Satepauhoodle, a respected Kiowa educator, public servant, and cultural leader, passed away Sunday, March 8, 2026. Throughout his life he devoted himself to improving educational opportunities for American Indian students while strengthening the traditions and cultural identity of the Kiowa people.

He was born and raised in Carnegie, Oklahoma, the son of Sam Satepauhoodle and Nellie (Doyah) Satepauhoodle, and was a member of the Kiowa Tribe. From an early age he was active in school, athletics, and tribal cultural life. While attending Carnegie High School he was a standout multi-sport athlete, participating in football, baseball, track, and basketball. As a senior he served as co-captain of the football team and earned All-District honors. He was also the Pepper Sweetheart of the Pep Club.

After graduating from Carnegie High School, he attended Southwestern State College, in Weatherford, Oklahoma earning his Bachelor's degree. While earning his Master's degree, he excelled academically, earning a place on the President's Honor Roll with a 4.0 grade-point average. During his college career, he was a four-year starting player on the football team. He was also an officer for the Lettermen's Club.

Following his graduation in 1961, Satepauhoodle began his career in education teaching history in Zuni, New Mexico. Where he established the first football program at Zuni High School. In the early 1970s he served on the National Advisory Council for Indian Education. In 1976 he was named Indian Education Coordinator for the Southwest Region of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, coordinating federal Indian education programs across several states. He later served as superintendent of Riverside Indian School in Anadarko, Oklahoma.

Throughout his life he remained committed to Kiowa culture and faith. He was a lifetime member of the Kiowa Gourd Clan and was active in Cedar Creek United Methodist Church. He also served many years as a priest in the Kiowa Chapter of the Native American Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents Sam and Nellie (Doyah) Satepauhoodle, three brothers, Evans Ray Satepauhoodle, Raymond Gene Satepauhoodle, and baby boy Satepauhoodle. And 23 first cousins/brothers and first cousin/sister Anita Doyah Blackbear.

He is survived by his wife, Gayle Cussen Satepauhoodle; daughters Tracey (Goom So Gope) Satepauhoodle-Mikkanen (Arvo), Sloan (Thay Gope Mah) Satepauhoodle, and Quinn (Baby Shun) Satepauhoodle Proctor (Billy); grandchildren Brandon (Goda Gope Gy He) Satepauhoodle-Mikkanen (Ashley), Julia (Tsodle Tsah Ma He Shun) Satepauhoodle-Mikkanen, Sonny (Kho Pay Tah-lee) Proctor, and Acee (Tda Dape Tah-lee) Proctor; and great-grandsons TK (Thom Day Tah-lee) and Mac (Ma Cui May Tah-lee) Satepauhoodle-Mikkanen. He is also remembered by many other loved ones, relatives, tribal relations, friends, and former students too numerous to name. The family apologizes if any names have been unintentionally omitted.

Throughout his life, Cletis Don Satepauhoodle carried himself with dignity and responsibility, honoring the teachings of those who came before him. In his work, faith, and commitment to his people, he upheld the standard set by his elders and set that same example for those who followed. Now he is home with those he loved where he waits for us to join him. His legacy will continue to live on in the songs, traditions, students, and family he loved, and for all of those who called him coach. And in the path he made for future generations.

An avid horseman, all who knew Cletis will remember him as the last camp crier on horseback. He was never happier than when he was riding his horses, Red or Dallas, roaming Caddo County.

Wake Service, March 13, 2026, Cedar Creek Methodist Church, Carnegie, OK, 5:00pm-8:00pm.

Funeral Service: 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 14, 2026, Red Wolf Hall, Kiowa Tribal Complex, Carnegie, OK

Visitation: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Friday, March 13, 2026, Ray & Martha's Funeral Home, Carnegie, OK

Pallbearers: Brandon Satepauhoodle-Mikkanen, Sonny Proctor, Acee Proctor, Talon Satepauhoodle, Amos Satepauhoodle, Grayson Greenlee, Hadebah Oberly, Elliott Greenlee, Reno James McLemore, and Denton Thomas.

Honorary pallbearers: Ray Doyah, Silas Satepauhoodle, Walter (Turkey) Pruitt, Harry (Treat) Hainta, Taft Haddon, Jerry McLemore, Charlie McLemore, Anthony Hainta, Coy McLemore, Tristen Hainta, Christian (Baby Taft) Sink, Darrell Blackbear, Sonny Blackbear, Stevie Haumpy, Ronnie Satepauhoodle, David Anderson, Lucky Lucero, Cletis Gayton, Lindy Tofpi, Jason Nauni, Junior PoorBuffalo, Tommy Tofpi, Ned Tofpi, Curtis Wilson, Willie Wilson, Perry Horse, Anslem Davis Jr., Aaron Jones, Sidney Toppah, Reuben DeRoin, Jim Hopper and Bobby Gonzalez.