Alexander Clifford Bearcrane Sr.

Alexander "Percy" Bearcrane, Sr. went home to be with his Lord on Friday, May 27, 2005.

He was born June 5, 1938, in Crow Agency, to Oscar and June Morning Bearcrane. He was a member of the Greasy Mouth Clan and a child of the Big Lodge Clan. As a child, he was given the name Chilaaksheennbachish (Fights in the Morning) by World War I veteran, Joe Schenderline.

Percy worked in a variety of occupations, including ranch and farm work, construction, maintenance for the Indian Heath Service Hospital and as a heavy equipment operator at the Apsaalooka Mine, until an on the job injury at the mine forced him into retirement.

He had a kind heart and especially enjoyed visiting with his family, particularly his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He enjoyed his church, being with his family and performing outside activities such as branding and fencing. Another enjoyment was singing Indian gospel and Pow-wow songs, attending church services and socializing at Pow-wow gatherings.

Percy enjoyed story telling to the Bearcrane children about old-time Indian legends, which he had learned from his father, Oscar and grandfather, Bear Crane.

His daughter, Sandy, parents, sister, Audrey Ann and brothers, Aloysius, Claire and Tony preceded Percy in death.

Survivors include his sons, Gary and Alex Bearcrane, Jr. of Crow Agency; his brother, Earl Bearcrane of Billings; his grandchildren, Alexandra, Birdie, Aloysious, Alex III, Garalyn, Ashler, Deanna and Colvin; six great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his aunt, Mae House and her family; his sister, Christine Stops-Stewart and her family; and his extended family including the Morning, Three Irons, Pretty Paint, Stops, Pretty On Top, Medicine Crow, Fighter, Black Eagle, Red Star, Big Hail and Old Crane families. Please forgive us if we have unintentionally omitted additional families.

Percy and the Bearcrane family are deeply appreciative of the Billings United Pentecostal Church for their faithful visits and prayers.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 31, in the Bullis Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow in the Crow Agency Cemetery. Bullis Mortuary of Hardin has been entrusted with the arrangements.