On January 31, 2019 our father, brother, uncle, papa, and partner Mitchell Duluane Headdress went to that wild horse race in the sky. He was most likely greeted by Grandpa Dale and Grandma Norma. Sure to follow was Victor Perry, Moses Dionne, and Verdell Birdsbill to continue on cracking jokes.
Dad was born on July 13, 1947 to Dale and Norma Headdress to begin the long line of brothers and sisters. Dad joined the Army right after school and was honorably discharged after his service was up. Dad loved rodeo and could watch hours of recorded VCR tapes. He also liked to critique basketball games played by Wes and his grandson Devon. Dad always told stories of having to walk to the outhouse at night, leading the way was always the youngest of the line of brothers and sisters. On the way back dad was always the first in line back being scared of the dark. He loved all his kids and grandkids and hardly ever raised his voice with his laid back personality.
Mitch is survived by daughters Rita and Sarah from Yakima Wahington; son Wesley Headdress from Wolf Point, Montana; Chelsea Headdress from Rockyboy, Montana; Kenneth Eagle of Poplar, and Carlos Headdress of Daven Port, Iowa. He is preceded in death by daughter Tomisa Headdress.
Mitchell Duluane Headdress came into our lives during the year of 1967. Mitch had met and married our Mother, Leona Bernice Smison, while she was attending training in the Tacoma area and while he was stationed at Ft. Lewis in the U.S. Army. Our home had recently burned down; then we lost our Grandmother; then the following year we lost our Grandfather. With the passing of our grandparents, Mitch became a father figure to each of the kids that resided in the family home. This included; my sisters Betty Nason, Angela Ashue, Deborah Ashue, Patricia Ashue, Pamela Wong, Gladys Seelatsee, Laretta Smiscon, Felicia Smiscon, Syldia Smison, Sally Rodriquez and Nina Thompson. My brothers: Clifford Smiscon, Chester Rodriquez and Phil Rodriquez. Mom and Mitch were later blessed with their daughters, Laritta K. Headdress and Sarah Lynette Headdress. He became especially close to our brothers, Harrison Tainewasher, Sr. and Louis Sweowat, Jr.
Mitchell played basketball for the Toppenish Papoose Men’s basketball team traveling to tournaments all over the northwest. He loved to go to the movies and also to eat Chinese food at the Golden Wheel Restaurant, Yakima, WA. It was pretty common to see Mitch, my brothers, and friends playing basketball every evening in our front yard on a court made of dirt with a hoop attached to the big tree. Mitch also loved going to rodeos and sporting his big ole cowboy hat and boots. He had worked for the Wapato Irrigation Project before he returned home to Poplar, MT.
During the time Mitch lived with us he introduced us to his brothers, Arlyn and Henri Headdress. They became part of our family as they lived in our home as well. Mitch was a member of the Mormon Church and he introduced us to that faith as well. I remember the Mormon Elders always frequenting our home and becoming an integral part of our family. Thanks for being there and thanks for the memories. You were a good Dad and friend.
My dad was the best dad a girl could ask for! After my mom passed away (when I was 7) he quit drinking had a full time job plus went to Night school, which he graduated. He was the mom and dad to Carlos, Wes and me. There was absolutely nothing he wouldn’t do for his kids. I remember one time he got a new car, and he told me to get my drivers license before I could touch it. The very next day he took me to take my test and I passed. Dad, you did the best you knew how raising us, it wasn’t your fault how we turned out. I’m happy you seen a sober me in Helena that time you came through with Wes and I’m going to stay sober dad, that’s a promise I will never break. Fly High dad tell mom I love her. Love Chelsea ,your baby girl Cash, Camdynne and Sarianna Headdress. Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God: I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
A family service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 4, 2019 at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point. The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at the New Community Hall in Wolf Point. Interment will follow at the Headdress Family Cemetery West of Wolf Point.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements and condolences can be left for the family by using the form below.