YELLOWHAIR, Thomas

Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow, Winslow, Arizona Thomas Yellowhair December 23, 1923 - May 23, 2013 Thomas Yellowhair passed peacefully with his wife and daughter by his side, Thursday night, May 23, 2013 in Holbrook, AZ. His clan was Ta'chii'nii Naashizhi born for Kin'yaa' anii. He was 93 years, but records show 90. He changed the year of his birth so he could work longer for Santa Fe Railroad. He was born in Na-ah-tee Canyon to Mary Belin and Manyhorse Belin. He was given the name Yellowhair from employment. Since he didn't know his English name, the employer gave him Yellowhair as last name, since his hair was light brown. He was drafted for World War II at age 18, he was not accepted because he did not understand & speak English. He was told to work and earn retirement which he did. His first job was at the Na-ah-tee Canyon Trading Post where he met his wife Irene Yazzie-Yellowhair and married traditional in 1953. He gave Irene free ice cream when she came to the trading post. Together they had five children and adopted four of Irene's children. He worked for Santa Fe Railroad for 40 yrs. and retired in 1989. He traveled all over, Chicago to Los Angeles while working on the railroad. Had many stories he shared with his children and grand children. He loved his grandchildren dearly and was a very caring, helpful and generous man. He is survived by his wife: Irene Yellowhair of Na-ah-tee Canyon. Daughters: Lena Gishie of Holbrook, AZ, Louise Bufford of Holbrook, AZ & Lorraine Max of Fruitland, NM. Sons: Emery Yellowhair of Na-ah-tee Canyon, Tommy Yellowhair of Page, AZ, Jack Yellowhair of Na-ah-tee Canyon & Jerry Yazzie of Na-ah-tee Canyon. Sister: AnnaMary Begay of Na-ah-tee Canyon. Brothers: Billie Belin of Na-ah-tee Canyon, Guy Belin of Na-ah-tee Canyon & Lee Belin of Holbrook, AZ. Grand children: 23 Great Grandchildren: 44 & Great-Great Grandchildren: 7. Funeral Service for Thomas Yellowhair will be held Thursday, May 30, 2013 a 10:00 AM at Faith Assembly of God Church in Holbrook, AZ and interment will follow at Holbrook City Cemetery.