Ernest E. Redbird III

Ernest E. Redbird III, passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at the Carnegie Tri- County Municipal Hospital with family members and loved ones at his side.
He was born on April 7, 1972, at the Lawton Indian Hospital. His father was Ernest E. Redbird, Jr. and his mother was Gloria Komardley Redbird. His paternal grandparents were Ernest E. Redbird, Sr. and Ruth Whitefox Redbird. His maternal grandparents were George Komardley and Vivian Tsatoke Komardley. His tribal affiliation was Kiowa, Comanche and Apache tribes. He was a direct descendent of Odlepahquote (Whitefox), Seitapatah (Afraid of Bear), Tanequodle (Redbird), I-see-0 (Many Fires), Whitehorse, Tsatoke (Hunting Horse), Jim White (Kadayso), and Wild Horse.
Ernie graduated from Carnegie High School. He then attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree then attended Cameron University where he received his Master’s degree. These were all in the field of education. He worked at Riverside Indian School, he then moved to New Mexico where he worked as a teacher at Ramah High School, Tohatchi High School and Gallup High School. He worked for the Apache Tribe as an EPA Director and Tribal Administrator. His last job was the Summer Youth Director for the Kiowa Tribe. While attending high school at Carnegie he was the manager for the basketball team that won the Class 2A Oklahoma state championship in 1988. He was on the coaching staff at Southwestern Oklahoma State University that won the NAIA football championship in 1996.
Anyone who was acquainted with Ernie knew he was an outgoing person with a great scene of humor. If you were ever terrorized by Ernie you knew he liked you. He had many friends from all different tribes. He didn’t care if you were white, black, red or brown he was honored to be your friend. Ernie will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.
He is leaving behind his parents, Ernest Redbird, Jr. and Gloria Redbird of Carnegie; sister, Tina Oheltoint and husband, Rudy Oheltoint, Jr., of Anadarko; and brother, George Redbird and spouse, Jill Redbird, of Anadarko and many nieces and nephews and grandkids and his special little friend, Shiloh Cooper, and, of course, his dog, Angel.
A wake service was held at the Red Wolf Community building at the Kiowa Tribal Complex at 6 p.m. on  Friday, January 3, 2025, and the funeral at the Red Wolf building on Saturday, January 4, 2025, beginning at 10 a.m. Rev. Gerald Haunpo will be conducting both services. He was buried at the Carnegie Cemetery. He was funny to the end; he said I want to be buried at the Carnegie cemetery if I’m buried at one of the tribal cemeteries no one will clean my grave. We want to thank the nursing staff at the Carnegie Tri-County Municipal Hospital, especially Monica, Emily, and Mikey.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m., Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the Kiowa Community Building in Carnegie, OK.
Visitation was from 1-5 p.m., Friday, January 3, 2025, at Ray & Martha's Funeral Home in Carnegie, OK. A Wake service was held at 6 p.m., Friday, January 3, 2025, at the Kiowa Community Building in Carnegie, OK.
Interment was in the Carnegie Cemetery at Carnegie, OK.
Services were under the direction of Ray & Martha's Funeral Home, Carnegie, OK.