Francis Richard Deer, Jr.

Sunrise, March 15, 1957 - Sunset, Feb. 15, 2026.

Francis Richard Deer, Jr., was born to Francis Richard Deer, Sr., and Lena Rose Small Deer in Oklahoma City.

Chief and his wife Irene met at Barefoot Park powwow and became one on Dec. 14,1982, in Watonga.

From this union, Chief had three children, Richard Deer, Good Warrior Deer and Myrcine and husband Carlos Aguilar.

He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Good Warrior Mah’Hi’Vists Deer, Grant Deer, NaNosh Deer, Lena Tsosie, Richard Deer, Jr., Max Aguilar, Carlos “Oso” Aguilar, Gia Aguilar; and one brother, Russell Deer.

He was preceded in death by his parents Francis and Lena Deer; brothers Mike and Bernard Deer; sisters Cynthia, Victoria, Crystal, Pat and Julia Deer; his maternal grandparents Ed and Phoebe Small and paternal grandparents Josiah and Florine Deer.

Chief was a proud member of the Ioway and Sac/ Fox Tribe. Chief was also involved with Cheyenne NAC Chapter and he also was a part of the Ioway Elders.

He also participated in the Cheyenne Sundance.

Chief had a heart of helping out people with prayers when called upon. He always tried his best to help whenever he was asked.

Chief had been diagnosed with dementia/Alzheimer’s in 2021. There were times he remembered and there were times when he didn’t.

The ones he remembered were given a wave or one of his big smiles.

Funeral and traditional meal were noon Wednesday, Feb. 18, at Iowa Tribe Powwow Grounds in Tryon with burial following at Ioway Tribal Cemetery under the direction of Sanders Funeral Service.