Gary Lee Horsechief

Nawa,

The Pawnee Nation Flag has been lowered for the passing of Pitahawirata Tribal Member, Gary Lee Horsechief. Mr. Horsechief was born December 23, 1948, and returned to the stars on April 9, 2025. Arrangements are being made with the Poteet Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Pawnee, OK.

Our condolences and prayers go out to the Horsechief Family, may Ati’as Tirawâhat kistîwata irîrakikat (Father in Heaven watch over the ones that mourn/cry).

Gary Lee Horsechief was born December 23, 1948 to Daniel Horsechief and Virginia (Riding In) Horsechief in Pawnee, OK. Gary joined his family in heaven April 9, 2025. His maternal grandparents were Frank and Ethel (Wilson) Riding In, great grandparents were William Riding In and Virgina Riding In. His great grandmother Lottice (Walking Bear) Fancy Eagle walked down from Nebraska during removal. His paternal grandparents were Mable Long and Hugh Horsechief. Gary took great pride in his heritage from both the Horsechief and Riding In families.  Gary was the last fullblood Pawnee in the Riding In family.  

Gary spent his early days on his grandparents farm near Council Valley. He attended elementary school in Pawnee and completed his high school at McClain High School in Tulsa. He later also    

Gary worked in the oilfields down in Cushing and also worked for the Pawnee Nation early in his career.  He found rewarding and entertaining work as a Grand Executive Chauffeur, visiting and serving in that role until he retired to the family homeplace with his beloved pup, Tracy girl. Uncle Gary loved his OU Sooners and his Dallas Cowboys. 

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, two sisters Donna Marie Roop and Dani Sue (Dayna) Ashlock, one brother Barry, niece Cheryl Smith, nephew Stevie Ashlock, and his Aunt Marlene Riding In Mameah and Aunt Janice Horsechief. 

Gary is survived by his nephews Terry Dan Ashlock and Jesse Ashlock, and niece Lisa Ashlock. He is also survived by his cousins Dorna Battese, Marilyn Feathers, James Riding In, Bob Riding In, Cheryl Brown, Dawna Hare, Denise Riding In, Frances Main, and Ginger Little Sun. 

Services will be held at the Pawnee Nation Roundhouse Monday, April 21, 2025 at 10 a.m. with Ron Rice, Jr. officiating. Burial will be at South Indian Cemetery. 

A traditional mourning feast will follow.