Stephen Gregory Smith

Stephen Gregory Smith, son of Donald & Mary Helen Deer Smith was born February 26, 1964, in NYC at Women’s Hospital. He was a citizen of the Kiowa tribe and was also Muscogee Creek and specifically from Arbeeka Church. On Monday, December 12, 2022, the Creator placed a hand on Steve’s shoulder to begin his final journey at Mercy Hospital. His Kiowa name is Pau-Auh-Tda (Walking Buffalo), given to him by his great-grandfather Linn Pauahty, who was the nephew of Red Buffalo. He was a lifetime member of the Tia-Peah Society. Stephen read voraciously his entire life. His grade schoolteacher said, he often started with the phrase, “I read a book…” He had photographic memory and could converse with anyone, on any topic with in-depth knowledge of the subject. He would include detailed facts AND he always had a backstory. Mrs. Dominguez, who was his childhood babysitter, had a thick Cuban accent. At age four, Steve could often be heard correcting her English pronunciation. His grandparents became friends with a Yakima family, and they nicknamed him “Yaka-Too-Much” for his constant talking. His father was a sportswriter for NY magazine. Steve was also a great writer. His dad served as his respected editor. Growing up in NY, the Smiths were lonesome for Indians back home. This is when they met the Thunderbird Dancers and established life-long friendships. This was around the time of the American Indian Movement (AIM). At that time, there was a conscious effort for Native people to be represented in a proper manner. Mifaunwye known as “Miffy,” who was the daughter of Joe Shunatona (Otoe-Missouria Tribe) and from Oklahoma and who was in vaudeville. Miffy lived in NY and introduced Steve, Kevin and Judy Tarrant to the Sesame Street producers when they were looking for Native kids to be appear on the show. They were featured on November 23, 1970, in episodes 140 & 141. Steve also did some photographic modeling. The Deer/Smith’s moved back to OKC in 1974 to care for his great-grandparents where he finished his high school education. The family then moved to Dallas in 1990. After moving to Dallas, Steve and his brother Christopher worked for Texas Rangers baseball and appeared on a few episodes of Walker,Texas Rangers. Steve worked for years in the hospitality business where he could engage in riveting conversations and make memorable moments with guests. Steve moved back to Oklahoma around 2005. He began attending tribal council meetings and later served as an elected representative of the Kiowa tribe’s business committee, where he attended NCAI. He made friends across the country. He was voted in as the SW Area VP around 2010. He loved learning about federal policy and how it applied to many Tribes. He and his brother Chris worked together as professional videographers, where they walked inside the ropes with golfers at PGA & USGA major tournaments, worked the sidelines of NCAA & NFL football, and were ringside for World Championship Boxing, next to the dugout at Texas Ranger MLB games, and practically any other sporting event that is televised. Steve and Jewel’s love story began as teenagers. Life took them on different paths but when they reunited it was like they never missed a beat. They spent the last ten years loving each other and living together in the Wichita Mountains area. He was blessed with the love of his companion and best friend in life. They lived in Meers, OK for 20 years where he treasured his roots. One of their great pleasures in life was living in the Wichita Mountains where they could observe the stars, serenity of the lake and the wildlife. In the last several months, Steve was overwhelmed with the caring nursing staff and the generosity of the Catholic ministries at Mercy hospital. He grew up in the Catholic faith and these recent outpourings of love and comfort, renewed his faith in a way he hadn’t felt in many years. He is survived by his mother, Mary Helen Deer Smith, companion Jewel Tsatoke and children Jeremy, David, and Alyssa. Brother, Linn David Deer. Sisters, Rachel Escobar, Georgia & Genny Deer, Ayla Medrano, Shoshana Wasserman, Judy Fields, Lisa Tiger. Uncle, Alvin Deer. Aunts, Melinda Deer Bohnett, Andrea Deer, Judy Knifechief, Sandra Medrano. Niece Tvske Billy and Sagee Nokose Springer. Numerous nephews, nieces, & grandchildren and great grandchildren from the Deer family. Now he is rejoicing with his father, Donald Smith and reunited with his brother Christopher Smith. He is also preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Harry & Marjorie Smith; maternal grandfather George Deer Jr., maternal grandparents Roy & Fern Sluder; Maternal great-grandparents Linn & Edna Pauahty, George & Lillian Deer, Uncle Melvin Deer and Aunt Laura Deer.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.billmerrittfuneralservice.com for the Smith family.