Jesse Mehojah

Jesse Charles Mehojah Sr., 77, of Ponca City, OK, passed away and joined his wife in heaven on February 14, 2022, after a short battle with lung cancer.

He was born on December 4, 1944, to Jesse and Eva Mehojah in Pawnee, OK. After earning his high school diploma, he went on to study business at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He then served in  the United States Army from 1962 to 1966. He was assigned to the 1st Armored Division, 501st Aviation Battalion stationed in Ft. Hood, TX and Seoul, South Korea.

Jesse spent the first part of his career as a pipeline welder working across the United States. He later entered law enforcement in Kansas and Oklahoma. While in retirement he served on the Kaw Nation Executive Council and as casino manager for Southwind Casino in Newkirk, OK.

In 1967, he met Beverley Childs Mehojah, and they wed on September 27, 1967, going on to have two children, Jesse C. Mehojah Jr., and Justin W. Mehojah. He also had one daughter, Laura Childress, prior to marriage. Jesse was a force of nature, determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. He was unendingly proud of all his family and always tried his best to support them. Anyone who knew Jesse knew that he was the most loving father, husband, brother, uncle, and grandfather a family could ask for.

Jesse was also passionate about playing guitar, watching football, and could often be found at a casino when he wasn’t at home. He was a proud member of the Night Clan of the Kaw Tribe.

Jesse was preceded in death by his parents: Jesse and Eva Mehojah, his son: Jesse Mehojah Jr, his wife: Beverley Childs Mehojah, his brothers: Ernest Mehojah and Daniel Mehojah, his sister: Marilyn Mehojah York. He is survived by his daughter: Laura Childress of Destin, FL, hi son: Justin and Ada of Ponca City, grandchildren: Lacey Childress, Jesse Childress, Coty Rawls, Cheyenne Childress, Jory Mehojah, Joshua Mehojah, Jessa Mehojah, Mahala Mehojah, Charles Mehojah, his brothers: Donald and Connie Mehojah of Ponca City, Ronald and Jerri Mehojah of Mountain Home, AR, and Edwin Mehojah of Blackwell, his sister: Willa Long of Kaw City, and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a graveside service on February 19 at 2:00pm at Washunga Cemetery in Newkirk, OK with Pastor David Cale officiating.