Adrian Curtis Stands, Jr.

ADRIAN CURTIS STANDS,  JR.

Adrian was born on April 13,  1985, at the Crow-Northern Cheyenne Hospital to Adrian C. Stands Sr. and Sharon Big Lake Stands.  Adrian departed peacefully in his sleep on January 16, 2026.

Adrian grew up on the Crow Reservation, living in Lodge Grass, Hardin and Pryor. He attended schools in Lodge Grass, Hardin, and Morrin, graduating from Lodge Grass High School in 2003.

Adrian worked at Custer Battlefield Trading Post and became a great cook. He moved to Oklahoma and worked at Penica Mexican Restaurant.  He then began his career with Love's Inc., working as a cook and cashier and in the tire shop. After working at several Love's Stores throughout Oklahoma, he moved and settled in Erick, Oklahoma.  He met the love of his life, his wife Melissa Nicholson and together they built a wonderful life always on adventures to places and exploring and enjoying movie night at home. They welcomed their beautiful  daughter Lily Teague on January 30, 2018. She is his beautiful love and he did anything for her. They shared a special bond and along with Melissa made many wonderful memories together.

Adrian is preceded in death by his Mother Sharon, Grandma and Grandpa LaVern Williamson and Morris Big Lake Sr., Uncle Morris Big Lake Jr., Aunt Maria Big Lake and his brothers Ruben Stewart, Alan Old Elk and Todd Old Elk.  His Papa Lawrence Stands, Uncle Larry Stands and Daniel and Leatha Sifford.

Adrian is survived by his wife Melissa and daughter Lily of the home. His Dad Adrian C. Stands Sr., and his wife Beryl, Grandma Wilma Stands, his in-laws Robert Nicholson, Rhonda  Nicholson, and Everardo 'Chief' Lopez. Bothers, Steven Stands, Sr., and wife Katelyn, Teague Stands and wife Minnie, Draven Stands and Jon Gary Old Elk. His brother-in-law JD Nicholson. His sisters are Sandra Stands, Tahnee Stands, Loreda Sifford, Marnie Jo Old Elk- Limberhand. He loved all his nephews and nieces, always checking and calling them for birthdays and holidays. His aunts and uncles Linda Stands, Cheryl Hugs, Janet Big Lake, Vandy Bouyer and husband Allison, Gloria Old Elk and husband Porgie. Adrian is survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Our family is large, please forgive us if we have forgotten to mention anyone in our time of grief.

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