The following is a submission by Integrity Funeral Service.
Wendell Wayne Harjo, age 60, a resident of Henryetta, Oklahoma passed away on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024 in Okemah, Oklahoma. Wendell was born Feb. 2, 1964 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma to Norma Jean (Harjo) and Robert Ray Chalakee Sr.
Wendell is preceded in death by his wife, Angelita Louise (Norris) Harjo, one brother, Edward Chalakee, and one sister, Candace Chalakee-Jones.
Wendell was born in Tahlequah and raised in Okmulgee where he started kindergarten. He also attended Ryal and Graham Schools. Upon completing his education, he took a trip with friends to Arizona where he met the love of his life, Angelita Louise Norris, whom he would marry in August of 1993. When they moved back to Oklahoma they began their life together. He worked as a bus driver and moved up to mechanic, while he and Angelita fostered children, in the process influencing and mentoring many young lives. Wendell was a deacon at Hickory Ground Indian Baptist Church where he served faithfully for many years. He enjoyed his family and time spent together involved in hobbies like fishing, deer hunting and the pursuit of buried treasure with his newly-purchased metal detector. He was always talked about that one car he still needed to fix, the list never ended.
He is survived by five daughters and one son, Kaitlynn N.J. Harjo of Muskogee, OK, Kayla Harjo of Henryetta, OK, Leslie Ramirez of OK, Victoria Ramirez of OK, Hunter Harjo of Tucson, AZ. and Natalie Norris of Henryetta, OK, grandchildren, Zoey, Cameron Tatyana, Tavy, one great-great grandson Mark, his parents, Robert Ray Sr. and Norma Jean Chalakee, three siblings, Robert Ray Chalakee Jr. of Muskogee, OK, Cynthia Chalakee of Humble, TX, and Thomas Chalakee of Humble, TX and Alex Chalakee of Mesa, AZ
Wendell Wayne Harjo was a strong man of God, striving to please Jesus, his Lord and Savior. Even as his physical body was failing, his faith was growing.
Those who served as pallbearers include Pete Kingfisher, Tyler Rich, Damon Peak, Matthew Gibson, Samuel Fry and Joseph McGertt.
A visitation was held on Aug. 22 at Integrity Funeral Service. A wake service was held at Hickory Ground Indian #1 Indian Baptist Church in Henryetta, Okla. A funeral service was held on Aug. 23 and was officiated by Rev. Mitchell Taylor and Rev. Wallace Gambler. A burial followed the service at Hickory Ground #1 Indian Baptist Church Cemetary.
Arrangements and Services were under the direction of Integrity Funeral Service.
