William Urabazo

William "Bill" Urabazo, affectionately known by many as Mr. Thunderbird, Nita Homma, or Red Bear, passed away on October 18, 2020, in Edgewood, New Mexico, at the age of 88. Born on January 26, 1932, in Anadarko, Oklahoma, he lived a life marked by dedication to family, community, and justice.

Bill graduated in August 1955 from Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, where he studied Dry Cleaning. He went on to own and operate Thunderbird Cleaners in his hometown of Anadarko. Through this business, he not only served his community but also supported it-Thunderbird Cleaners proudly sponsored both the Indian men's and women's bowling teams.

A proud veteran, Bill served with honor in the National Guard's 45th Division, Battery B, 158th Field Artillery at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He was deployed to Korea and discharged with the rank of Private First Class.

Throughout his life, Bill remained deeply committed to advocating for justice-not only for his own family but for American Indian communities across the country. Beginning in the 1970s and continuing for decades thereafter, he wrote to every U.S. Senator seeking reinstatement of the Urabazo family to the Wichita Tribal rolls. His passion for justice began early; as a young man alongside his sister Violet Ann, he wrote to Senator Robert S. Kerr on behalf of his older brother Raymond and Raymond's Belgian war bride, Anne Elisabeth Craps.

Bill's love for his heritage and people was unwavering. He cherished friendships with fellow American Indians from all tribes and found great joy in gathering with friends at the Comanche Elder Center in Lawton, Oklahoma. Known for always greeting others with a smile, and standing firmly against injustice wherever he saw it, Bill left an indelible mark on those who knew him.

Later in life, before relocating to New Mexico, Bill rededicated his life to the Lord Jesus-a spiritual renewal that brought him peace and strength.

He shared a deep bond with his wife Wanda Lewis. Together they nurtured their land by planting trees for family members and cultivating fruit trees-an act that symbolized their enduring love and care for future generations.

Bill is lovingly remembered by his wife Wanda; daughters Billie Urabazo of New Mexico and Cassandra "Sandy" Urabazo Castro of Dallas, sons-in-law, numerous beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, sister Ann Rogers and her husband Paul of Oklahoma City.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lucy Arispi (Arispar) and Joseph Salinas Urabazo; grandfather Adolphus Arispi (Arispar), listed on the Wichita Tribal Roll #941; daughters Lisa (LaWanda) Johnson, Karen Sue Urabazo, Marsha Elaine Scott, brother Raymond and his wife Anne of Oklahoma City, and brother Joseph Jr. (Bobby Joe) of Anadarko, OK. and by sisters Doris M. Umber of Woodward, OK, and Virginia Tennison of San Antonio, TX.

William "Bill" Urabazo will be remembered not only for his tireless advocacy but also for the warmth he extended to everyone around him. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched-family members who carry forward his spirit of resilience and compassion.

He is greatly loved and missed by all who remain behind but who look forward to being reunited with him one day.