Cherokee Nation Mourns Former Deputy Principal Chief John Ketcher's Passing

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

TALHEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - The Cherokee Nation is mourning the death of John Ketcher, who served as Deputy Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation for ten years and served several years on the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council. In his honor flags are at half-staff.

In John Ketcher's honor flags are at half-staff.

He and his wife, Colleen, are longtime residents of Tahlequah. He was recently honored as a Cherokee Nation National Treasure for his work in reviving the Cherokee tradition of mechanical loom weaving. He was a fluent Cherokee speaker and an invaluable leader of the Cherokee Nation. Ketcher served in World War II aboard the USS New Orleans, as an anti aircraft gunner.

"John Ketcher served our people well for many years," said Acting Principal Chief Joe Crittenden. "He also served our country proudly and was a Navy veteran. He was a valued elder and Cherokee speaker with invaluable knowledge. I was fortunate to count him as friend and cannot express how greatly he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time."

The family requests that any gifts in his honor be made as donations to scholarships at Sequoyah Schools, Wounded Warriors Fund or to the Cherokee Historical Society in the name of former Deputy Principal Chief John Ketcher.

posted October 18, 2011 6:00 am edt