Remembering Louis Gray Sr., Osage Nation Member and former Eagle Editor

OBITUARY

Gary Lee and Kimberly Marsh, The Oklahoma Eagle

Louis Gray passed away at the age of 71. Photo courtesy of Gray’s family.

Louis Gerard Gray Sr. a longtime Oklahoma Eagle editor and beloved member of the Osage Nation, died on July 23 according to family members. He was 71. 

His death followed a sudden illness. Louis was a beloved member of the Osage Nation and advocate for Native American rights. He belonged to the tribe’s Deer Clan and had the Osage name of Wah Zha Nompe (whom they fear to see.)

Louis lies in state at the Wakon Iron Chapel in Indian Camp in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Deacon Robert Axom will recite a rosary at 7 p.m. on July 25, followed by Native American Church singing. 

On Saturday, an Indian Service will be held at 8 a.m at Wakon Iron Chapel.  That will be followed by a Catholic Service at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Pawhuska. Louis will be laid to rest during a graveside service at the Osage National Cemetery. 

Oklahoma Eagle Publisher James Goodwin, a friend of Louis’ for more than 30 years, praised him as a man with a depth of understanding and broad views. Goodwin called Louis a student of the news and observer of humanity who spoke from a real-world perspective..

 “Louis was unassuming and a man full of integrity and honesty. He was just an amazing man,” Goodwin said. “He could find common ground and give a platform to all voices.”

David Goodwin, the son of  James and former Eagle reporter and editor, said his relationship with Louis was nurturing. It began when David was a college student and intern at The Eagle during the mid ‘80s. 

They worked on several news projects and investigations together, including the federal lawsuit that claimed nearly 35,000 descendants of freed enslaved Black people were entitled to benefits and voting privileges as members of the Cherokee Nation.

“Mr. Gray opened so many doors for me to interview the top leaders in each of the five Tribal Nations in Oklahoma in order to tell a more complete story of the freedmen,” David said. “He taught me how important it was to know this history and share it with our audience.”

Current Oklahoma Eagle executive editor Gary Lee praised Louis’ career as editorial page editor, which spanned over two decades. “Louis was dedicated to giving voice to Black, Indigenous, and other underserved readers across Tulsa and Oklahoma,”  Lee said. “He left an indelible mark on the Eagle.”

Early years

Louis Gray was born April 23, 1953, in Pawhuska as the fourth of seven children of Andrew and Margaret Gray. He was active in his Osage culture throughout his life and served his community in many different areas. 

When Louis was 19, he and three of his siblings found themselves surrounded  by the National Guard, when they joined the American Indian Movement Occupation of Wounded Knee in 1973. 

It was considered a turning point in federal Indigenous policy. Just two years later, Congress passed the landmark Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975.

Louis later enrolled in Haskell Indian Nations University where he studied photography and journalism while playing football. 

He married Anita Eaves and they started a family in Pawhuska. Working in various jobs for the Osage Nation he found his calling in the news media. In the 1970s, he was employed as a reporter/photographer and videographer for the Osage Nation Media center. 

He later worked in the U.S. Capitol for the Council of Energy Resource Tribes as the editor of The CERT Report. There, he covered U.S. Supreme Court cases, Congressional hearings on tribal energy issues and interviewed top executive branch officials in the interior and energy departments. 

Louis was hired as a news reporter for the Pawhuska Journal-Capitol eventually becoming the editor in the mid-80s. It was there he covered local and national news and his columns were a mainstay for anyone who wanted to know what was going on in town.

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Around that time, he also began a 20-year on and off relationship with The Oklahoma Eagle, one of the nation’s oldest Black-owned newspapers.  He wrote editorial endorsements, civil rights issues and was involved in civic activity in the North Tulsa community. 

Years later, he started his own paper in Pawhuska, joined his brother Jim to form the Oklahoma Indian Times (later named The Native American Times) as co-publisher and writer. 

Heart for Osage culture

At the heart of Louis’ passion for life was his love of Osage culture. As a member of the Deer Clan, he was named by Osage elder Magella Green. 

Louis excelled in the In-Lon-Schka dance and quickly was recognized as one of the most talented dancers of his generation. After being asked by drumkeepers, he ended up serving as a tail dancer for nearly three decades. 

To his last day, he served on the Pawhuska WaXaKoLi^ committee

In more recent years, most people knew him as a proud member of the Osage Gourd Clan where he represented his Osage people at powwows throughout the state.

Gray’s familial ties 

Louis is preceded in death by his grandmother, Annette (Nettie) Luttrell, father Andrew Gray, mother Margaret Gray, brother Andrew Gray Jr, and sisters Gina Gray and Mary Grayce Bighorse

He is survived by his wife Michelle of Bartlesville and his children Louis Gray Jr. of Pawhuska, Gina Redeagle of Pawhuska, Edward Gray Sr. of Skiatook, Anthony Gray of Cleveland, Paul Gray of Cleveland, Matt Reed of Laguna, NM, Davena Amayi Powell, Tulsa, and Mary Nell Gray, Miami. 

He is survived by his sisters Jacque Butler of Pawhuska,, Margo Gray of Pawhuska, and his brother Jim Gray of Skiatook.  Louis is survived by his grandchildren; Payton, Eli, Fiona, Liam, Ian, Gabriel, Issac, Pimmie, Edward Jr., Henry Amos, Samuel, Noah, Rowland, Jaylyn, Gabriel and Isabelle and by his great-grandchildren Maelen Tallchief, Milleigh Tallchief, Penelope Rosette and Xander Diaz.