Colbert Cole, 62, of Ponca City, passed away Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013 in OKC. Colbert was born on July 11, 1951 in Pawnee, OK to Gilbert Black Cole, Jr. and Florence (Calls Him) Cole. His grandparents were Gilbert Black Cole, Sr. and Sarah (No Ear) Cole.

He grew up in Ponca City and graduated from Chilocco Indian School in 1970. And the received an Associate’s Degree from Haskell Indian Jr. College in Lawrence, KS. His Ponca Indian name is ‘gthay-dah-ska’ which means “White Hawk”, which was given to him after serving in the US Army from April 1972 until Oct. 1979, being stationed in Korea, Germany, Florida, New Mexico and based in Ft. Bliss in El Paso, TX., he was discharged as a Staff Sergeant.

He worked at Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company in Seiling, OK for 12 years. He was a 25 year member of the American Legion Little Standing Buffalo Post 38 serving as Commander for the last ten years.

He participated and completed 4 years of the traditional Cheyenne Sun Dance ceremonies in Seiling, OK. He was initiated and a member of the Cheyenne Headsmen Clan ”Hoof Rattlers”. He also participated and conducted Native American Church Services.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and one granddaughter-Danielle Cole. He is survived by 6 children; Gina Weasel Bear of Ponca City, Charlton “Sonny” Cole of Ponca City, Cheston Cole of Seiling, OK, Donald Two Babies of Weatherford, OK, Melinda Two Babies of Seiling, OK and Curtis Harrison of El Reno,OK. 13 Grandchildren; Teyonna, Blake, Sierra, Thunder and Rayne Weasel Bear, Colbey Milligan, William Sonny Cole, Josephine Horsechief, Jazmine Johnson, Alyssa, Hanovi and Haven two Babies and Cairo Harrison. Brothers; Delbert “Smokey” Cole, Bobby and Talbert “T.C” Cole, all of Ponca City, adopted brother-Chiefy Deer of Kingfisher, OK. Sisters; Connie Cole and Sarah Primeaux both of Ponca City. A host of other family and friends.

Wake services will be 7 p.m., Monday, December 2, 2013 at Grace Memorial Chapel and Tuesday December 3, 2013 at the Ponca Tribal Cultural Center, traditional meal will be Noon, Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at the Ponca Tribal Cultural Center and Funeral Services will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Jimmy White and Brother Doug Eagle officiating. Casket Bearers will be Cato Red Hat, Israel Little Coyote, Gilbert Cole, Doni Two Babies, Donny Kendrick, Allen Red Hat, Amon Le Roy and Daryl Youngbear. Honorary Casket Bearers are all members of L.S. Buffalo Post 38, Leroy Enloe, Eldon Calls Him, Sonny Calls Him, Dana Wilson, Tyrone Poore and Mike Laughlin. Burial will follow at the Ponca Tribal Cemetery of White Eagle, OK with Military Honors provided by the Ft. Sill Honor Guard.