Leland G. Hugs, Sr.

Leland G. Hugs, Sr., 67 of Crow Agency, went home to the Lord on September 9, 2025 surrounded by his family. U’utta Laasitche, (Kind Hearted Weasel) named by old man Plain Feather, was born November 20, 1957 in Crow Agency, a son of Oliver and Elizabeth (Little Light) Hugs, Sr. He was a member of the Greasy Mouth Clan and a child of the Big Lodge Clan.

Leland grew up in the Ft. Smith and Crow Agency areas. He received his early education in Ft. Smith, St. Xavier, Hardin and Intermountain, OK. He joined the United States Army in 1980. Leland was honorably discharged in 1983.  He was a bullrider and a Golden Gloves Boxer.  He married Lorraine K. Hogan and through this union they had 4 children and later divorced.

In his younger years he worked for the Youth Man Power in Ft. Smith/St. Xavier areas. He was firefighter, camp crew in his later days, Crow Tribe AML and Roads, he assisted in the construction of the IHS Hospital and Little Bighorn College, he was roofer, Security at the Apsaalooke Nights Casino.

 He was fondly known as “Captain”. He was an avid artist with an expertise in painting. He was very active and enjoyed riding horses, fishing, hunting, being outdoors and watching football. His favorite teams were the Denver Broncos and Chicago Bulls. He had a great love for family and friends. His memorable moments were at the sweat lodge when he went in with his brothers, the sweat lodge was a must as he enjoyed the company of his uncles, brothers and whoever else was there. Through Leland we knew God’s kindness, generosity and forgiveness, he began every morning reading Psalms 91 and encouraged others to as well. Whenever there was a need from whomever, he made himself available and would assist in any way he could. Leland never turned anyone away, he was a loving and kindhearted man who would give you the shirt off his back. He took his sisters Linda and Sherri’s children as his own and helped raise them as such. His grandchildren were everything to him, every year he bought their Easter baskets, Halloween costumes, and tickets to the Billings Fair, and showered them immensely for Christmas. Haiden being his first grandchild he kept him by his side and raised him as a son. He didn’t have favorites but he especially doted on Rosie, with whom he had an unbreakable bond. He helped Rosie raise Kobane, calling him his “little shadow.” He had an unmatched love for his brother Frank; they were always together. He had a special place in his heart for Lorna (Jesse) Madill, he was always excited to visit and stay the weekends with them. 

His parents, daughter Jackie Hugs, brothers Dennis, William, Oliver Jr., Dallas and Jerome Hugs, Sr., Orville and Edmund Little Light, III, Walter “Mickey” Stewart, Sr., and Kenneth Toineeta; sisters Linda and Pansy Hugs and Merle Jean Harris preceded Leland in death.

Survivors include his son Leland, Jr.; his daughters Rosie (Lyle Jr.) and Nicole (Simon Sr.); grandchildren Matthew (Leah) Gunter, Leland “Tre” III, Drae, Rae, Kobane Hugs, Solomon, Kamila, Miguel and Simon Jr. Garza his sisters Sherri and Samantha Hugs, Marcella Deputee adopted sister, Pearl (Larry) Tobacco; his brother Frank and Harvey (Annie) Hugs; adopted brothers Calvin and Cyrus Leider, John and Gary Buffalo, Lawrence Pete (Lydia) Big Hair; aunt, Agatha (Bruce) House; and adopted daughters Rebecca TenBear and Charmaine Spang. as well as members of his extended family including the Little Light, Morrison, Pretty Paint, Dawes, Bear Cloud, Old Horn, DeCrane, Goes Ahead, Iron, White Fox, BirdinGround, Humphrey and Yarlott families.

Our family is large, so if we forgot to mention anyone please forgive us during our difficult time & sorrow.

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