Burton Darrow Pretty On Top

Burton Darrow Pretty On Top Sr., Chilaa’ksheduupesh (Two Mornings) went to the other side of camp on May 29, 2025 in Crow Agency, MT. He was born on September 17th 1946, the son of Edgar Pretty On Top and Olive Bear Ground. In the matriarchal crow clan system, biologically he was a member of the bad ward deed clan. Since he was raised by his grandmother, he was also a member of the whistling water clan.  Burton grew up riding horses, hunting, fishing, and playing sports. Burton had a wonderful voice and loved to sing. As a teenager, he impersonated Elvis. Many schools requested him to provide performances where he sang Elvis songs, had Elvis dance moves, and entertained the crowd. He was a life long fan of the Dallas Cowboys. Burton was an excellent athlete and played both football and basketball which resulted in him receiving a full scholarship to Rocky Mountain College where he played at the collegiate level in both sports. He also later attended Eastern Montana College.  As an adult he fasted and went on many visions quest to the Crazy Mountains, where many Crow Chiefs use to pray, and he prayed for all the Crow people. Burton has traveled around the world visiting various places such as Rome, Germany, Chicago Illinois, and New York City. He created friendships with individuals as he traveled and stayed in touch with some, including the Crogan family of Chicago, Illinois. Burton was a spiritual leader who represented all indigenous people and had the honor of meeting and praying with Mother Theresa as well as Pope John Paul the 2nd twice, once in 1986 and then again in 1994. He was also on the Tekakwitha Conference Board of Directors. He would sing Crow Gospel songs at the St Dennis Catholic Church in Crow Agency.

Burton believed that there was no such thing as a superior religion and sought to establish a balance between organized religion and native spirituality. He often emphasized we all believe in one God Akbaatatdia’a. Burton was a man of faith and developed a strong work ethic as a child, being raised by his grandparents on the family ranch in Wyola. Therefore, he was always a good provider for his family and ensured that they never went without. Since his grandparents raised him, he had a wealth of knowledge regarding the Crow culture and language. He was always willing to share his vast traditional knowledge. He was a good conversationalist, an outstanding storyteller, and always encouraged those he encountered. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather to all. After his first stroke in 2020, he quit singing, but whenever the grandbabies were around, he would sing to them.

The following preceded him in death: Grandparents: Otto & Elimere Caplett-Bear Ground, Winnifred Old Tail, Henry, Sr. & Lizabeth Bull Horse-Pretty On Top, Parents: Edgar Pretty On Top, & Olive Bear Ground, Hartford “Sonny” Black Eagle  Brothers: Archie, Greely, Burton Bear Ground, Donald Passes, Carl Bigman, David Bad Bear, Mathew Stops, Jr., Wesley Stops, Sisters: Bernadine Pretty On Top-Nomee, Debbie Old Horn, Kathleen Dawes Sons: Burton Pretty On Top, Jr., Peter John Pretty On Top, Grandchildren: Nicolas Wesley Rowland. 

He is survived by his Wife: Randine Pretty On Top, Children: Velma (Preston) Whitemanrunshim, Wendy Pretty On Top, Dorcella (Ben) Rowland, Samson Pretty On Top, Burdine (Grant) Scalpcane, Bethany (Uriah) Turner, Brock Pretty On Top, Larena Plain Feather, Emma Dillion-Meas, Richard Downey, Grandchildren: Charlie (Chelsea) Tsoodle, Bo (Patty) Pretty On Top, Benisha (Zach) Srader, Fawnshay, Adonis, Maleah Rowland, Dakota Edgar, Kayjah Twinn, Jacob, Aleigha Pretty On Top, Dorothea, Elimere, Blubella Darrow Scalpcane, and Bethlehem Turner, Nicole Downy, Robert, Montana, Scalpcane, Johnny Harjo III, Orion Harjo, Leon Plain Feather, Feng, Sienna, Selena, Chen, Hannah Meas. His Great grandchildren: Sylan, Charlene, Chloe, Adilynn, John Tsoodle, Bessie, Zendaya, Leilani Pretty On Top, Maddie, Olive Downy.  Adopted mother: Mary Black Eagle, Sisters: Donna, Janet Stewart, Barbara (Kenneth) Spotted, Almeda (Dean) Goodluck, Stella Bear Ground-Not Afraid, Joanie (Frank) Rowland Sr., Rhonda (Larry) Hogan, Dorcella Little Light, Dorothy Mae, Linda Stops, Aldora Big Man, Gema, Frances Walks Over Ice, Sharolyn Nomee, Virjama Williamson, Mary Ruth Plain Feather, Clarice Medicine Crow his brothers: Donald, Wesley (Twyla), Robert Stewart, Shawn (Dyanna) Backbone, Bill stops, Tilton (Sarah) Old Bull, Sam Horn, Ben Stands, Tony Pease. He also raised and adopted many individuals, to name a few, Jason Kaline, Karissa Dushane, Joey Little Bird, Les (Trixy) Bird Chief, Elizabeth (Tronnes) Birdinground, Darrin Fritzler. Burton also had a lot of Godchildren, in fact too many to mention. He has given Indian names to 50+ individuals. As well as extended family, which also includes Pretty On Top, Bear Ground, Stewart, Other Medicine, Williamson, Not Afraid, Stops, Black Eagles, Whiteman (of Pryor), Red Star, families. We have a large family; we apologize if have we forgotten anyone. 

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