Bert Henry Kleidon

September 26, 1943 - September 22, 2018

Bert Henry Kleidon, 74 year old Fairland, OK resident passed away on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at his home. Bert was born on September 26, 1943 in Peoria to William and Rosa (King) Kleidon. He was a retired machinist. Bert was 2nd Chief of the Ottawa Tribe and a Gaming Commissioner of High Winds Casino. He loved his motorcycle, his scooter and enjoyed life to the fullest. Everyone who knew him has a “Bert Story”. Bert loved his family and his church. He aggravated and teased everyone. He wouldn’t want anyone to mourn him but to celebrate his life. Bert’s favorite saying was … “Life was not meant to be a journey to the grave in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadsided, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming … “Wow! What a ride!” Bert was preceded in death by his parents, William and Rosa Kleidon and one grandson, Weston Case. He is survived by his wife, Deborah (Doll) Kleidon; two sisters, Patricia Meintal of Fairland, OK, and Joyce Nichols and husband Bob of Centennial, CO; seven children, Greg and Joanne Kleidon of Ft. Worth, TX, Kenney and Brandi Case of Joplin, MO, Steve and Shawnna Grigsby of Bella Vista, AR, Teddi Grigsby of Joplin, MO, Randy and Kim Brasfield of Webb City, MO, Brandi Grigsby of Joplin, MO, and Cody and Lindsey Grigsby of Joplin, MO; 11 grandchildren; 10 great- grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, September 27, 2018 at 2:00 pm at First Christian Church, Miami, OK. Interment will follow at Ottawa Indian Cemetery. Indian rites will take place at the graveside. Visitation will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2018 at the church. Pastor Jerad Joslin officiating. Serving the family as casket bearers are Patrick Grigsby, Aaron Grigsby, Kyle Keeter, Aaron Kleidon, Coby Case, Jeremy Case and Mason Grigsby.