Thomas Richard Escarcega, Sr., (Waŋbdí Tȟokáheya) of Riverside, MT, went to the happy hunting grounds on January 30, 2022 at Billings Clinic. He was born November 30, 1948 in Poplar, MT to Lucy Spotted Dog and Joseph Escarcega Sr. His maternal grandparents are Annie Owl Shield and Joshua Spotted Dog and his paternal grandparents are Mary (Cree Woman) and Martin Escarcega. Dad grew up on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation and resided there his entire life.
Dad attended Poplar Public schools and graduated from Poplar High School in 1968. He was an avid athlete striving in Basketball, Track, Football and Baseball. He moved to Chicago, Illinois in the early months of 1969. On April 4, 1969 he enlisted in the United States Air Force. By the time he ended his service to this country, he received the rank of E-4 Sergeant Senior Airman, receiving an honorable discharge. His commitment to our country compelled him to reenlist into the Army National Guards, on December 5, 1980 and received an honorable discharge December 4, 1981. Dad obtained an associate degree from San Juan College in Farmington, New Mexico. He also obtained a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Education from NAES College in Poplar, Montana. He received his Master of Business Association MBA from University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Dad was a Dakȟóta Language teacher for the Poplar Public schools in the mid-80s. He was a coach at Poplar High School, 1 year at Brockton High School, and many years coaching youth in the Poplar Youth Tournament. He was the first Native American referee for Montana Officials Association. He refereed up on the Hi-line and in Northeastern Montana region. He won numerous basketball tournaments in Fort Hall, Idaho, in the southwest and while stationed in the Air Force, the family has his trophy collections as a keepsake. He loved softball and played all over in Washington, North Dakota, and Montana.
Dad was elected onto the Tribal Council in the 80s, serving his first term as a Tribal Leader. He started work for the Water Resource Department now known as the Fort Peck Tribes Assiniboine Sioux Rural Water System on January 27, 1986. He lobbied in Washington, DC for many years contributing to the new water pipeline project that has brought clean drinking water to many households across the reservation. He was elected to the Tribal Council in 2017. He served two terms.
Dad loved to dance and sing with Tatanka Oyate Singers at pow-wows. Later in life he mentored his grandsons and help them create their drumgroup Tahca Sinte Ska Singers. He is a traditional dancer and a traditional knowledge keeper and practiced his spirituality at Chelsea Sundance, Three Buffalo Sundance, and most recently Wahacanka Ska Sundance. He mentored many relatives in the traditional Dakota way of life. He was a humble man and had a generous heart. He made time for everyone and always listened well then offered advice if asked of him. He loved to tease and gave many nicknames. He ensured all his children and grandchildren had their Dakȟóta names.
He is survived by his companion Esther Escarcega of 52 years. Together they have 7 children. Tom Jr (Sarelle), Shantre (Jenn), Cahann, Ramey (Tubby), Rain (Mike), & Coco (Tristin) and Ramsey Lewis, another son who greeted him on the other side. His surviving grandchildren are Kristian Colby (Scotty), Tomee Rae, Heaven Leigh, Nizhoni, Wyatt, Kalli Janae, Inyan Pejuta, Mohoya, Teagan Renee, Wanbdi Tokaheya, Cetan Wakandiya, Conway Lewis, Tomeya Ramzee, Kelby Louise, Evelyn Ali, Brooklyn Jaye, Malin Ernestine, Nathan Richard, Jade Annabelle and Jastin Cade Gray Hawk. One Great grandson Brycen Kale. Hunkapi relatives Albino (Ashley), Justin (0rlonda), Jason, and Melda Gray Hawk and children. Hunkapi parents Verle and Eunice Denny and siblings Bill (Sonny) White Head, Cissie Anderson, Lyle Denny, Rusty Denny, Mike Laliberte, and children. His blood relatives Flossy and Lois and family, White Hawks, Yellow Hawks, Youngmans, Eaglemans, Shields, Diserly’s, Escarcega’s, Bear Cubs, Long Hairs, Strausers, Spotted Birds and Terrie Blake and family. He is also survived by his lifetime friends: Mike Talks Different, Felix (Deb) McGowan, Stanley Hollow Horn, Ben Burshia and Greg Lambert. His Diné in laws Uncle Ned, Uncle Deswood, Sister in-laws Jessie, Janie (Mike), Annie, Mae and family and countless relatives and friends.
Dad is preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, son, brothers, sisters, uncles, and aunties.
We thank you all for prayers, support and encouragement! We give our sincerest gratitude to the entire medical staff, flight crew, and ambulance crew who tended to him for the last 16 months he battled. We thank our friends and relatives for helping us pray for Até.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday February 5, 2022
Poplar Cultural Center
Poplar, Montana 59255
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Tim & Iva Zimmerman says
Our condolences to the family! Our thoughts and prayers be with you through your time of grief!
Tim & Iva Zimmerman says
Our condolences to the family! Our thoughts and prayers are with your family!
Talks Different Family says
Deepest condolences to the Escarcega families. Tom and his singers brought sundance songs to our whitecow Sundance at Wildhorse, Ft belknap. He was true to the spiritual way of life Creator blessed the ppl with. He will be missed. Sending much love respect and prayers.
Mike Watson says
Saddened by the loss of Tom, who was responsible for bring better drinking water to northeastern Montana. He was a highly honorable and spiritual person and will be missed here. Warm thoughts and prayers for Esther and his family.
Alvin Talks Different says
Alvin & Alreta Talks Different through heart felt prayers. We send our Love & Prayers. Deepest sympathy for our kola’s wife Ester, Daughter Ramey&son inlaw Tubby, all kola’s grandchildren.Our Kola Tom will forever be missed by the Sundance Circles where his many Sacred Songs touched the hearts of sundancers across Indian country. Our sympathy also goes out to Tatonka Oyate singers. Our prayers for all Kola Tom’s relations & friends. In closing myself & my wife would like to say Pila-miya Kola Tom may your journey to the spirit world take you to Wakan Tonka. Dok sha kola.
Boone Whitmer says
Babe Ruth baseball where we played against each other to the all stars when we played together, then to high school basketball we were again playing against each other. Then in you asked to help in bringing safe drinking water to the people and protecting the water right compact of the reservation. You asked in compelling heartfelt compassion to deliver the water to your neighboring white communities. Such was the spirit of sharing water with your fellow mankind. Tom, till we meet again, I will miss your spirit. May your crossing be gentle and blessed to your family.
Denise lester says
My heartfelt condolences to auntie ester&his children grandchildren& family may uncle tnm rest in peace no longer in pain now…
Darlyn Grainger says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time. Hugs and prayers to all of the family
Sioux Dawn says
Rest Easy Uncle
Condolences to the family
Alvin & Alreta Talks Different says
Alvin & Alreta Talks Different in Wyoming, our hearts are saddened to hear Kola Tom passed. Prayers for his wife Ester,Daughter Ramey&son inlaw Tubby & grandchildren. Tom will be missed throughout indian country for his many Sacred Songs that touched the hearts of all the Sundancers and there families. Prayers for Tatonka Oyate singers and all who sat at the drum with Tom. Myself & My Wife send our comforting Prayers, Hugs, Love, Respect for all Kola Tom’s Relations. Blessed journey to the Spirit World Kola Tom, Doksha
Rhonda Mason says
Prayers for Tom, known him since elementary days. He was quiet, shy and nice. Throughout the years he worked hard, respected the Creator, and raised a family. Prayers for his loving family.
Neva Spotted Wolf says
My condolences to the family. Uncle Tommy will truly be missed. I will keep the family in my prayers.
Jody Leona says
Sorry for your loss. Sending my condolences to each of you. Keeping you all in my prayers.
Jonny BearCub says
As you start on your journey across the Star Road to the camp , laughing and teasing those who come to greet and walk with you, know you are loved by many left here behind. Travel well cousin and say hello to our relatives for us for we miss them and will miss you. Prayers for comfort and strength for the family and those who loved you for many have been touched by your kindness.
Sandy Macdonald says
Sorry for your loss I have always remembered him as a school mate and friend
Trudy Fox says
My condolences to each member of Tom’s family and all his friends. Many high school memories will be rehashed with his classmates on the other side. Prayers to all.
Penny Kaleva says
Sorry for your loss. Tom was a wonderful man
He will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers for his family. God Bless! Proud to have know Tom.
Crystal Barber says
Condolences to my friend Tommy Escarcega Jr. Found out my dad Kenneth Barber was a friend of your father.. .. so respect to your dad
Robert Eder and sherry longtree says
Always be a rider in heaven and watch over your family
We will miss you and Take care of your family
Leanda Birthmark says
Prayers & condolences to all the family. He was a humble man with lots of respect.
Carmela Scott says
My condolences to the family Fly high Uncle Doksha
Bill and Irene Rathert says
Esther and family We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all.
Florence Garcia says
Condolences to the family.
Ann Baker says
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Thomas Escarcega SR.
Traci LeVay-Holt says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was a great man.
Jenna N. H says
Rest In Peace Coach, condolences to the family.
Louella Douglas-Contreras says
Prayers & Condolences to the family of Tom. Tom, I am thankful to have known you. Thank you for your support & kindness. Prayers for your journey
Connie Bird says
Sending Prayers to His Family I had The Pleasure of Working with Tom As His Secretary At the Water Department For Awhile He Was A Great Teacher An Boss Sending Love And Condolences to His Family His Was A Great Man An Will Be Missed Dearly A’ho
Rose Morsette says
Condolences & prayers for his beautiful wife Esther & family, many good memories when John & I spent time at the sweat , many good laughs, love you all🙏🌹
Clint Jacobs says
Sympathy to all of Tom’s family. Tom lobbied for years for good water for the Ft Peck Reservation. He was thoughtful, concise and straightforward. His efforts also allowed off-Reservation neighbors to access good water.
Thank you Tom.
Clint Jacobs
Sharon yellow owl says
😭 my condolences to aunty esther,the girls n the boys my only uncle I had left 😭 love you, uncle. Wakan tanka I pray the family will have strength, courage n healing in the days to come. Fly high Uncle.
Ted Darnell says
I am very sad tonight thinking about my friend Tommy. He and I played alot of baseball, from little league to Babe Ruth and later on playing softball. He was always a very good athlete. My condolences to his family. Love you Tommy.
Fred A. Buckles, Jr. says
The last time that Tom and I were able to visit with each other was during April 2019. As I look back to that visit it was rather interesting. In the past we visited about being USAF Veterans, and the times when we had danced at various gatherings and joked and teased with each other. This time he said, I am really glad to see you, and he started to share about the time when we were young boys. He spoke about my grandfather Jim who knew his father Joe and they would visit from time to time. He mentioned some other elders we both knew in our youth. He spoke with warmth and respect of those elders and how they were good and caring to us. As he shared, I felt a longing and love for those elders who have since left us, and as he spoke I felt their presence in spirit and a peace we both felt during that visit. When I now think of that visit, I will now be able to know in my spirit that my Koda Tom’s spirit is now in the presence of those elders and they have welcomed him with love and peace for a life well lived.
Sharon yellowowl says
My condolences to the family
Evetta Two Bulls says
Sending our heartfelt condolences 😢 to the family. Prayers for comfort 🙏 and strength during this sad and difficult time. He was a dear friend of ours and he will be missed dearly.
Wayne and Evetta Two Bulls
Alice says
My deepest sympathies n sincere condolences to Esther n family. Sending hugs n prayers.
Patt Iron Cloud says
Brother Tommy. You have been sorely missed on the Council these past months. You have been a great mentor for me and my children. You are gracious, loving and kind, and I miss you loud Warhoops!! Woke us all up in the Chambers. I know your beautiful wife Esther has always been dedicated to you and your children and Takojapi. She will see you face again. She will keep loving you as she has for over 50 years. I dreamed of you yesterday dear Brother. You were young again like when we were teenagers. I came to your hospital room to visit you. You told me that you were going up to the highest floor. I was sad because I barely got to see you for a few seconds. Today, I now know what you meant. You were going to be with Wakan Tankan who sits in the highest of the highest Kingdoms. You were happy. There were family members galore, all around you. What a blessing to see this. They too have been waiting for you as well. I love you dear brother Tommy. We will all see you again, me and Teddy and Bimbo. God knows all and he has a reason for taking you home after you beat all the odds in this life. Wohitika Akicita Tibdo Tommy. Doksha ake waciya kink’te. My heart is broken today. #FamiliesAreForever 🦅🦅🇺🇸🇺🇸💙💙❤️❤️💔💔 Sister Patt Lilililililililili!!!!!!
Bob and Terry McAnally says
We are so sorry to hear of Tommy’s passing. May the Creator wrap loving arms around you all as you move through this tremendous loss. May blessings come to you all because of all of your deep love for Tommy.
Ronette Martin says
So saddened to hear about Teacher. Condolences to his Family. I can still count to 10 because I remember the teachings her gave. He had humor & shy as I was back then I even laughed. We definitely lost a wonderful teacher, humorous person, & someone alot of us won’t forget. Safe journey Teacher. Thank you for the laughs. Prayers of comfort to a great family 🦋
Ronette Martin
Bernice Seminole says
My condolences to Esther & family. Journey well Tom.
Rod & Shawn Harris says
Our condolences to your family. Tom and your whole family were an important part of the years we spent in Poplar. We often think of Tom and those years fondly. Peace and comfort to your family until we all meet again.
Ron and Raqiba Luchau says
Our deepest sympathy to Esther and Family, Our hearts and prayers go out to you across the miles.
We both have a lot of memories of Tom at Chelsea and around Poplar. He was a good man with a serious side that could get things done for his community and a funny side to make the work easier. He worked so hard and so long to come home.
He will be greatly missed.
Ron and Raqiba Luchau
Sharon yellowowl says
My condolences to aunty esther n children may wakan tanka watch n bless over you all in the days to come. My only uncle i had left I’ll remember him as he was. 🙏🦅 fly high uncle love you, your niece
Lucy Redekopp says
My sincere condolences to Toms family.
Rosie Chee says
prayers to the family. He was an amazing man. r.i.p uncle Tom