Roger Allen Turley Obituary

Roger Allen Turley was called home April 11, 2026, at 71 years of age from The Journey Home in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

He was born December 30, 1954, in Pawhuska Oklahoma to Andrew and Roberta (Jackson) Turley. As a child, he lived at Indian Camp, Pawhuska, OK where he attended school. The family later moved to Bartlesville, and to Scottsdale, Arizona where he attended Paradise Valley. He graduated from Pawhuska High school 1974. Later, he studied at Oklahoma State University.

His Osage name was Kihe-kah-steh, Tall Chief. He was from the Pawhuska district, and served for a time as a drum warmer for the Pawhuska In-Lon-Schkah.

When he was young, his grandma, Mary Bighorse Turley would take him and his siblings to Stonewall Cottages in Manitou Springs, Colorado. Here, they would ride horses. Grandma would take them to visit many other locations like Pikes' Peak, Santa's Workshop, Garden of the Gods, and off to other cities.

At Bartlesville school, he played tight end in football till the family moved to Arizona, where he played basketball. He then played basketball for Pawhuska 1973-74.

Roger worked for maintenance, the Osage Indian Action Team, Osage Housing, and as a security guard for the Osage Nation and Casino.

His talents and gifts were known to many. Carpentry is something that he carried throughout his life. Another was his gift of drawing where he even won a contest held by a Pawhuska bank. Many remember his sports athleticism while playing for school. He was truly a fan of the University of Oklahoma, Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Michael Jordan. His favorite players he said were his children, Rance, Trent and Lanayah.

He loved his family the most, and adored his grandchildren. His kindness and love will be remembered by his son, Rance Turley and wife Chelsey of Collinsville, OK, daughter Lanayah Turley of Bartlesville, OK, and son Trent Turley of Tulsa, OK.

Roger is survived by his sons and daughter, and siblings Bryan Turley, Patricia Turley Cottingham and (Ben), Mary Turley, Jo Turley Collins, and his sweet grandchildren, Liliana, Sahalie, Ailish, numerous relatives and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew Turley and Roberta Jackson Lovett.

The family invites all. He will lie in state at Wakon Iron Chapel. Traditional Indian services will be Tuesday, April 14, 9:00 am, Wakon Iron Chapel. Ira Lookout will officiate. Internment to follow at Pierce St. John Cemetery with a traditional meal after.

Services are under Powell Funeral Home & Cremation Services.