Norman Wesley Kiker

Norman Wesley Kiker, 76, of Shawnee entered his eternal home on Sunday, June 25, 2023, in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church with Father Tom Dahlman officiating. Arrangements are by McElyea & Owens Funeral Group.

Norman was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to James Virgil and Kathleen Rose (Peltier) Kiker on April 22, 1947. He married his high school sweetheart, Claudia Henderson on July 20, 1968 in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Norman graduated from Shawnee High School in 1966. He was a barber for fifteen years and a sales representative for several years. Norman was deeply involved with his tribe, the Citizens Potawatomi Nation, from an early age.

He worked for CPN from 1973 to 1976. He was elected Vice- Chairman of the tribe for two years and served on election committee for eight years. He went back to work for the tribe in 1989. That same year he was ordained as a deacon in the Episcopal Church after four years of theological study. Shortly after, he became Tribal Chaplin. In 1995 Norman became the Director of language for the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. He immersed himself in the study of the culture and the language of the Potawatomi people, traveling to several northern states to work with the elders.

Norman served in the Army National Guard of Oklahoma for six years. He was the first President and Director of Shawnee Hospice.

Norman had a passion for drawing, Carving canes and walking sticks. He created many beautiful pieces of scrimshaw art and jewelry.

Norman is preceded in death by his parents and many beloved uncles, aunts and cousins. He is survived by his wife, Claudia, sons Noel and Chad Kiker of Shawnee, grandsons Justin (Lynn) McRae and children Kenneth, Lilly and Zaylon of Shawnee; Nathanael (Emily) Kiker and their children Daelan, Emilia and Noah of Shawnee; James Kiker (Jessamyn), granddaughter Samantha (Dylan) Ricketts and their children Payton and Ryan; Tom and Michelle Rucker, Tonya Kiker, faithful friends Betty Norton, Gerald (LaNell) Montgomery, Larry Young and many dear cousins and friends.

Memorials may be given to Emmanuel Episcopal youth programs or National Kidney Foundation. Norman’s family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Damera, all the nurses and staff of Heartland Hospice who were so kind to us, Nurse Judy at the Regency, Father Tom Dahlman, Mother Elizabeth Davis, Deacon Nathan Johnson and his wife Evaughna for the many times they visited, prayed, anointed Norman and comforted Claudia.

Norman was a great fisherman who taught Claudia, Noel, Chad, and grandchildren how to fish. The tradition has been carried on by his sons and grandchildren. He and Claudia instilled in all the children a love of music and faith in Christ. Norman’s faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ, was evident to all who knew him.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Norman Wesley Kiker, please visit our floral store.