Forest Horn

LODGE GRASS - Forest A. Horn, 78, of Lodge Grass, former Crow Tribal Chairman, passed away on Friday, June 28, 2002, in the Crow Agency IHS Hospital.

Iilahiiche (Sharp Shooter) was born on Nov. 27, 1923, in Lodge Grass, the son of Samuel and Mary Ann Bear Below Horn. He grew up in the Lodge Grass area along Lodge Grass Creek. He received his education in Lodge Grass at the St. Ann's Mission, where the teacher was his uncle, Well Known. He continued his education at the Albright School, often riding horseback to school.

Forest married Violetta Thomas in October of 1948 and the couple made their home on Lodge Grass Creek.

Many who knew Forest recall how he was a champion in rodeo, successful cattleman and Crow politician. Despite his stature and success, he was a humble, compassionate and honest man. A man of few words and probably would agree that if he was standing here today, he would say little more about himself then, "I love my family and I loved the time I was able to be with you."

On a professional level and as first a cattleman and then Chairman of the Crow Nation, he demonstrated his humility by just getting by. He never wanted more for himself and was perfectly content to drive a Ford or Chevy, no matter how broken down. He demonstrated a profound political acuity for the Crow people. His thinking was profound in that he reconciled his Crow beliefs in ways that were good for his people. He served in nearly all offices for the Crow Tribe, including the Tribal Chairman. He was honest and believed that the ancient ways were viable and necessary for the tribe to survive. He had a vision of where the tribe was and what was needed for it's prosperity.

Forest was a faithful member of the Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church, the Greasy Mouth Clan and child of Greasy Mouth. He opened his doors to everyone and welcomed all to the table, where he could always be counted upon for a good meal, good company and a place to stay for a night or for months.

His parents, wife, Violetta, daughter Theresa Horn, son Clayton Horn, his adopted father, Caleb Plain Bull, brothers Alonzo and Daniel Other Bull, Thomas and George Horn, adopted brother Lawrence Plenty Hawk, and one grandson, Shawn Gun Shows, preceded Forest in death.

Survivors include two sons, Samuel (Darla) Horn and Danny (Letha) Gun Shows of Lodge Grass; four daughters, Joan Big Medicine of Dunmore, Joanie (Frank) Rowland of Lodge Grass, Rhonda and Mary Horn of No Water; his brothers, Floyd (Ada) Horn and Harry (Darlene) Wallace of Lodge Grass and Roger Turns Plenty of Pryor; a sister, Joan Horn of Lodge Grass; half sister, Kathy Jones of Wyola; adopted sisters, Clara Nomee and Ada Rides the Horse of Lodge Grass, Rosaline Long Visitor and Ida Tobacco of South Dakota; his adopted brothers, Sargie Howe of Lodge Grass, John Myron Stewart of Dunmore and Calvin Jumping Bull of South Dakota; adopted sons, Clay Dawes of Washington, Francis White Clay and Michael Little Nest of Crow Agency, Bernard Johnson, Benedict Blaine, Woodson Faraway and Terrance Coversup of Lodge Grass; adopted daughters, Bridgett Takes Gun and Dora Gonzales of Lodge Grass; he raised his grandson, Sam Horn, Jr.; 19 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; his extended families, Grey Bull, Blaine, Bends, Stops, Black Eagle, Bear Below, Jefferson, Shaeffer, White Hip, Well Known, Sara Pease family and the Horn family from Idaho; members of the Thomas and Whiteman families who, as in-laws, always held him in a position of honor. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Tribian Rides the Bear, Loretta Cummings, Autumn White Clay, Jacalyn Bear Claw, Rosaline Old Bear, Susan Horn, Rebecca Other Bull, Mike Horn, Chris Horn, Darrel Bright Wings, Willie Old Bear, Frank Bear Cloud, Sr., Jordie Bear Cloud, Marlene Thomas, Treva Bell Rock Raynard, Morton and Byron Other Bull, and his sister-in-law, Doris Thomas.

Rosary will be recited at 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 30, at the Bullis Funeral Chapel. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. on Monday in the Lodge Grass Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church. Interment will follow in the Family Cemetery at No Water. Bullis Mortuary of Hardin has been entrusted with the arrangements.