Curtis Warren Kekahbah

Curtis Warren Kekahbah, 76, passed away May 25, 2021 at his home in Pawhuska.

Curtis was born December 26, 1944 in Pawnee, OK, the son of Frances and Angeline (Tomey) Kekahbah.  He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era.  Curtis was a Traditional Counselor at the VA Medical Center in Tucson, AZ for many years.   He also participated in the VA sponsored Gathering of Healers. 

As an elder of the Kaw Nation (Kanza), Curtis advocated for the preservation and learning of the Kaw language.  He also spoke and educated many people through the years at colleges, hospitals and churches regarding Native American spirituality.  Curtis ran many sweat lodges in Oklahoma and other areas of the country. 

Curtis enjoyed University of Oklahoma football, playing pool, traveling, the Kaw dances and his family.  He was a sociable person, who was always happy to meet new people.  He was available to help others in any way that he could.

Survivors include his wife, Mary; daughter Angeline Marie; son, Nicholas; brothers Rollin (Twila), Frank (Liz) and Sam; grandsons Jude Leland Vanleuvan and Roman Eliot Kekahbah; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Curtis will lie in state at the family home.  On Saturday, May 29, viewing will continue at the Kaw Nation Community building at the Kaw Nation pow wow grounds, 12613 East Furguson Avenue, Washunga Bay, Kaw City, OK, beginning at 11:00AM.  Dinner will be at 12Noon at the Washunga Bay, Kaw City, OK.  Graveside services will be held at 2:00PM in the Washunga Cemetery, Newkirk.

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