HARJO, Kenna, Sr.

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ May 29, 2008 Kenna Harjo Sr., 79, died at his home Friday, May 16, 2008, in Seminole, Okla., after a long illness. He was born Dec. 23, 1929, in Konawa, Okla., to Ishlum Harjo and Eliza Walker Harjo. Kenna attended Vamoosa School in the Seminole area and received a bachelor's degree in education at the University of Albuquerque in New Mexico. He served in combat with honors in the Korean Conflict as a master sargent in the U.S. Army 45th (Thunderbird) Division. He worked many years in the Federal Civil Service, eventually retiring from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Kenna is survived by his wife, Dorothy; son Kenna Harjo Jr. of Phoenix; two daughters, Karen Harjo of Yuma and Elizabeth Huerta of Albuquerque N.M.; eight grandchildren; remaining sister, Ida Harjo Little of Seminole, Okla.; brother Jack Brunner of Midwest City, Okla.; five nieces, four nephews; many grand nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents; three sisters, Lorene Harjo Robinson, Ana Mae Harjo and Nora Harjo Kernal; granddaughter Casey Jo Pipestem; and nephew Larry Harjo. Funeral services were held May 21 at the Achena Indian Presbyterian Church in Maud, Okla. A burial with military honors followed at Maple Grove Cemetery, Seminole, Okla. Immediate family members, extended family and numerous friends were in attendance to pay tribute to a quietly proud, honorable, appreciative and loving man. Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Okla., handled arrangements.