Obituary for Kennis Headman

Kennis Headman – Veteran

January 15, 1950 – March 3, 2018

Kennis Headman, long time Ponca City resident, went on to be with his Heavenly Father, Saturday morning, March 3, 2018. He was 68 years of age.

Kennis was born January 15, 1950, in Pawnee, Okla. to Isaac and Patricia Collins Headman. A prayer service will be held 7 p.m. Monday at Ponca Indian Nazarene Church. The traditional noon feast and giveaway will be held Tuesday at the Ponca Tribe Cultural Center in White Eagle. Funeral services will held 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Ponca Indian Nazarene Church, officiated by Pastor Louis Headman. Interment with full military honors will follow at the Ponca Tribal Cemetery under the care of Grace Memorial Chapel of Ponca City.

Kennis grew up in the “East Timber” on the Ponca Reservation. He knew every tree and vine in the timber. He went to school at White Eagle and Chilocco Indian School. On Dec. 31, 1968, at the age of 18 years, following in the footsteps of his uncles, father and grandfather, Kennis volunteered to join the United States Army. He did his basic training at Fort Polk, in Louisiana. He moved onto Fort Gordon, Georgia for Advanced Airborne Infantry. He then joined the 44th Company Advanced Airborne Training at Fort Benning. Kennis saw heavy combat action in Vietnam serving with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in country from Sept. 24, 1969 to Sept. 25, 1970. For his heroic service he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and numerous other awards. He was honorably discharged Feb. 3, 1971. Though always proud of his service, it took a lifetime toll on Kennis with a constant personal battle with PTSD.

After returning from Vietnam, Kennis returned to attend college at Northern Oklahoma College, where received a degree in Creative Writing. Later, Kennis married the love of his life, Faith Standsblack. Together they made their home in Osage County and Kay County. She preceded him in death in 2010. Kennis loved his sisters’ grandchildren as his own, spending his time riding bikes, exercising with them and teaching them to bead work. Kennis was known as a master bead worker.

Surviving to cherish his memory are: one uncle, Pastor Louis Headman and wife, Hazel; two brothers: Timothy Morton, Oklahoma City, and Arthur Cerre, Newkirk; two sisters: Barbara Terrell and husband, David, Oklahoma City, Virginia Clements and husband, Rolf, who was his favorite brother-in-law; two adopted daughters: Judith Wilson and Romine Billy of Ponca City; his sisters’ grandchildren, each were his favorites: Woofy, Kenneth, Britney, Tricia Rose, Helaina, Kathleen, Eyaska and Maynard Taylor; Eddie and Kennis Rhodd; Judith, Julianna, Sam and Adriel Cook. And, his beloved kitty cat, Mi Zheenga (Little Girl), who he rescued as a kitten.

Kennis was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, four sisters and two brothers.

Casket bearers are: Blue Roy, Ed Charles LeClair, Dustin Cook, Charlie Steeprock, John Cook II, Eddie Rhodd and Kennis Rhodd. Honorary casket bearers are: Keith Buffalohead, Maynard Taylor, Sam Cook, Billy Ray Wilson, Steve Pensoneau, Rolf Clements and Craig Primeaux.