Jonah Harjo Jr.

Jonah Harjo Jr., 74 year old lifelong Seminole County resident, passed from this life Friday, February 15, 2019 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  He was born February 14, 1945 to parents Jonah Harjo Sr. and Eliza (Cully) Harjo in Konawa, Oklahoma. Jonah was a member of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma the Rewalke Band.  He had also served on the Tribal General Council for 30+ years. On January 31, 1964 Jonah married Luci Deere in Seminole, Oklahoma. Jonah served in the United States Army and earned the rank of PFC. Jonah worked for Seminole State College as a baker.  He also completed the Leadership Seminole program.  He was a member of Bird Creek Church. Survivors include five sons, John Harjo and his wife Marlene of Seminole, Oklahoma, Joey Harjo and his wife Jenny of Seminole, Oklahoma, Michael Harjo of Shawnee, Oklahoma, Jonah Harjo Jr. III of Seminole, Oklahoma, Jack Harjo and his wife Brenda of Seminole, Oklahoma; one daughter, Celestina Leader and her husband Barney of Seminole, Oklahoma; 14 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends. Jonah is preceded by his parents, his wife Luci (Deere) Harjo who died June 18, 2010, by two brothers and one sister. A wake service is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Sunday, February 17, 2019 at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel in Seminole, Oklahoma. Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Monday, February 18, 2019 at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel in Seminole, Oklahoma.  Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery where he will be laid to rest by his wife Lucy Harjo. Jimpsey Harjo will officiate the service. Casket Bearers will be: Hunter Harjo, Joseph Harjo, Eric Browning, Quentin Harjo, Jarrett Harjo and Jamie Ray Deere. Honorary Bearers will be: Jacob Harjo, Keaton Browning, Ian White and Robert “Cory” Deere. Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma. Funeral Information: February 18, 2019, 1:00 PM Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel - Seminole located at 1001 N. Milt Phillips Ave., Seminole, OK 74868