Kelly "Dòhâusàn" Barton Anquoe

Kelly Barton Anquoe, or also know by his Kiowa name of Dòhâusàn, began his journey in life on November 24, 1959 in Claremore, OK, the son of Jack V. Sr. and Ella (Collier) Anquoe. He was raised in a household with two brothers and four sisters, strong in Native American heritage and cultural roots of the Kiowa Tribe and Cherokee Nation. These traditions would flame his passion for preserving Native culture throughout his life. From a young age, he was driven, creative, artistic and had a love for music; even took up boxing. After Kelly graduated high school, he went on to study at Haskell Indian Nations University and Northeastern State University, earning his bachelor’s degree. For over 20 years, he worked at the Behavioral Health Center for Cherokee Nation before leaving to pursue a career as an artist and musician. Tokens of his masterpieces can be found all throughout Indian country, from murals to artwork displayed in numerous businesses. His last few years have been dedicated to the Tahlequah Creates Art Gallery, making a great impact in art and music in the community. Having a creative space for artist to share their creations and express themselves through art and music was something that he took great pride in. Kelly was a skilled guitar player and loved music of all kinds. He grew up around the drum and was a champion fancy dancer. As an adult he was active in the Tulsa Indian Club. He would go on to teach pow wow songs at NSU, Tahlequah Job Corp and to his grandsons. Kelly would often read to his grandsons Saynday books of Kiowa stories and old native tales. He loved history and studied his family genealogy. He was a deep thinker and looked for opportunities to dive into profound conversations, no matter the topic. His goal was to leave you pondering and challenge you to open your mind. He was an active member and previous president of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Tahlequah. Tahlequah is where he found solace, enjoying the beauty of nature, collecting rocks at the river and riding his bike literally everywhere. His favorite part of this area was that you can drive any direction and hit water. He had an awareness and intention for each day, he loved his family and sought to make a difference. On Sunday, September 29, 2024, Kelly passed from this life in Tulsa, OK at the age of 64 years old. The richness of culture and influence he has made will never be forgotten.

He is preceded in death by his father, Jack V. Anquoe Sr. and two sisters, Robyne Anquoe and Tamara Anquoe-Alvarez.

He is lovingly remembered by his two daughters, Anna Karriddean Anquoe and Philline Wohali Anquoe, both of Tahlequah, OK, his mother, Ella Anquoe of Claremore, OK, two brothers, Jack V. Anquoe Jr. of Tulsa, OK and Redcloud Anquoe of Claremore, OK and two sisters, Liane Phillips and husband Mark of Arlington, TX and Jamie Whartenby-Anquoe and husband Mark of Tulsa, OK. His legacy lives on through his three cherished grandsons, Andre Kenneth Santana, Apollo Koy Santana and Adrian Kelly Santana, all of Tahlequah as well as many nieces, nephews and an innumerable friends he has made over the years.

The Anquoe family will be receiving guest for a visitation on Friday, October 4, 2024 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, October 7, 2024 at 2:00pm at Reed-Culver Funeral Home with Dr. Harold Aldridge Jr. officiating. Following services, family and friends are invited for a time of food, music and sharing of memories at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Tahlequah.