Monroe Edwin Jeffrey

Monroe Edwin Jeffrey “Bud” Ne Begeshmonene “Sun Going Down Man”, age 82 years, of 13 Father Joe Murphy Dr., Shawnee, OK 74801, passed from this physical life to his spiritual life on December 4, 2025.

Monroe was born to Wilbert Monroe Jeffrey and Jessie Bell (Crumbo) Jeffrey on January 14, 1943, in San Francisco, CA. Monroe was a proud citizen of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and a descendant of the Willmette family. Monroe received his native name on July 30, 2016, Ne Begeshmonene “Sun Going Down Man”, from ancestors through ceremony and first cousin Minisa Crumbo Halsey. Monroe’s native heritage and family history was an integral part of his life. Attending CPN Family Festivals and Potawatomi Gatherings were some of his most treasured memories as well as visiting his Philippine family in 2024 with a visit to Cebo, Philippines.

Monroe spent the majority of his life in California attending High School at Lynnwood High School, Lynnwood, CA, as well as at Chula Vista High School where Monroe was on the 5-man rifle team. Monroe led an interesting life as a young man in the 60’s, 70’s With his life experience and employment over his 82 years of life, one could see and feel his free-thinking spirit in all he did for himself and others.

Monroe relocated from California to Shawnee in 2014 and was active in many elder and social advocacy groups during his time here in Shawnee. He served on the board of COED Area Agency on Aging and did volunteer work at the Community Market of Pottawatomie County Food Bank just this past year; he believed in community advocacy and his actions showed that. He enjoyed helping others and was an avid chess player enjoying the challenge of the game he shared with good friends. Monroe was a believer in action over words, and I think that is the greatest lesson Monroe left with family and friends.

Monroe was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Wilbur Eugene Jeffrey, and niece, Wendy Jeffrey Kendell.

Those left to mourn his passing are nieces: Carolyn Hill, Diana Whitten, Angela Ford; great nephews, Timothy and Christopher Kendall; great nieces, Ashley and Haley Hill; loving cousin, Minisa Crumbo Halsey and husband Jim Halsey; loving friend, Mariazal Ruiz and her children Marvin, Zach, Quirk, and Mareyah; along with his sponsored students, Daril De Leon and Era Debulozen, all of the Philippines. Monroe did not have children but was a good father figure to many. Monroe had many friends at CPN elders housing: special thanks to Dwight and Shirley Greenfield and family (for being there when he needed a little help towards the end of his journey); Jim Brenner (best chess buddy and caring friend ever), as well as Reda Pitts, Larry Bourbonnais and Scott George of CPN Elders housing (caring to a fault for our elders); Sheli Ludi, Lacie Boles, Lydia and Brittany CPN’s (greatest elder advocates and care takers); caring and loving friends, Brandy Nail and Czarina Thompson. There are many unknown and not noted here, BUT I do know and believe Bud appreciated everyone more than we can know as he navigated through his life and during the final days here with us.

PEACE OUT DEAR FRIEND!