Marvin Leroy Stewart

Marvin Leroy Stewart, 89, Dakaakhilawetaa “Bird that rises early” of Lodge Grass, MT, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025. He was born in Crow Agency, MT, to Francis and Cerise (Hogan) Stewart. Marvin received his education at Crow Agency Public School and Wyola School. He graduated in 1955 from Lodge Grass High School in Lodge Grass, MT. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force, serving 4 years with an overseas tour in England. As a military veteran, he comes from a long line of war leaders, in the Sore Lip clan, i.e., Chief Long Hair, Chief Sits in the middle of the Land.

He married Luanna Stewart on January 15, 1982, in Sheridan, WY. The couple made their home in No Water.

Marvin is a very innovative and knowledgeable person in regard to Crow tribal customs, past history, and modern-day affairs of the Crow people. Since the 1960s, his knowledge of historical land leasing policies and resource development issues, i.e., coal, oil, and gas on the Crow Reservation, and his expertise in land management and surveying issues for the Crow people far exceeds any of the hired personnel that worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Marvin's perseverance for lands that were mistakenly taken from the Crow people is a remarkable one-of-a-kind deal that resulted in the Crow people receiving millions of dollars for lands taken in error on the 107th meridian. In 1974, Marvin assisted the Horn administration in negotiating with Westmoreland Resources on the 50-year mine plan. The negotiations included restoring and reclaiming tribal treaty lands, TERO, and authorizing Crow tribal members to work at the mine with retirement benefits. The agreement required Westmoreland to safeguard by keeping gasification plants at least 50 miles away from the Crow Reservation. In 1975, Marvin was one of the main supporters of the severance tax issues.

Marvin was instrumental in negotiations in obtaining AML (Abandoned Mine Lands) for the Crow Tribe, with Marvin's knowledge of land management, he was appointed AML director for 12 years and director of Crow Coal for 4 years.

In 1996, Marvin was selected by the Crow people to be secretary of the Crow Tribe council, and he conducted himself as an exemplary, devoted Crow Leader.

Marvin believes in the importance of Chief Plenty Coups, statement regarding the need for education. His great-grandfather, Goes Ahead of the Horses, was a military scout in the late 1870s and became the first Baptist Deacon, among the Crow. Marvin's grandmother, Pretty Shield, wife of Goes Ahead of the Horses, was also a virtuous Crow woman Leader among the Crows, with a book written about her life.

Marvin is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Walter Stewart Jr., David (Pistol) Plenty Hoops Jr., Thomas Back Bone, daughter Marilyn Stewart, son Kerry Stewart, uncles David, Rueben, and Donald Stewart, aunt Pearl Hogan, and grandchildren Ta’Shon Rain Little Light, Chezrae, Francesca, and Rashawnna He Does It.

Survivors include his son Robin (Tonya) Stewart. His children Kallan, Blaise, Robin Jr., Kynlee, McKenna, Kalillah, Samiya, Braxton, Dalton, Arella (Miguel) and Aaliyah Stewart. His granddaughter Ariahlyn. Son Leroy (Chickee) Stewart. His children Wynter (Dee Bear Ground), Kristen, Tia, Benjamin (Angela) Stewart. His grandchildren Lewellyn and Jaren Dawes, Chance and Kylen Hugs, Breiell, Zahriah, and Vinayah Fighter. Son Aizen “Bubbaz” Skunkcap. Godson Cyrus "Sonny" Leider. Daughter Natalie (Kim) Colliflower. Her children Cerisa Stewart-Not Afraid, Eugene Aspen Brugh and Kiomy Small. Her grandchildren Tyan, Daie’n, Cinch, and Aaliyah. Daughter Stephanie (TR) Little Light. Her children Tia Little Light and Jackie (Wayland) LaForge. Her grandchildren Karmari and Erianne. Daughter Thea (Wyatt) Skunkcap. Her children Aiyana “Pretties”, Aviana, and Aizleyana. Adopted brother Howard Roloff. His nieces/nephews Mamie (Carson) Yellowtail, Veronica (Byron) Bends, Theodora (Jim) Ward, Jacinta (Chris) Good Luck, Magdalene (Harry) Rock Above, Safara Big Lake, Johnny (Drew) Stewart, Walter Stewart Jr., Vashati (Bryon) Old Bull, Lorena (John) Holds, Audrey, Dustin, Garland Plenty Hoops and Stephen White. His grandchildren Josh (India) Stewart, Shannon Howe, Isabella (Sam) Yellowtail, Mamie Bullinsight, Daphane, Sarah, and Jess (Brittany) Bends, Josh and Donald Stewart, Shawn Jefferson, Velvet (Jason) Cummins, Athalia “Rose” and Bianca Rock Above, Clint (Alandra), Tuck Augare, Ote (Kayle) Plenty Hoops, Chani Plenty Hoops, Dezmond and Raphael Rides Horse, Jewels, DC, Bobby, Johnny, Raquel, Ashbella, Lavonne, Micheleen, Misty, and Tanya Stewart, Todd Big Lake, Whisper Good Luck, Jonalea (Chester) Nomee Jr., John Jr., and Laramie Holds, Tana (Casey) Cummins, and Harley Morrison. His great-grandchildren Nehemiah and Keaunna He Does It, Payden, Hilario, Joshua, Makiah, Izel, Zeke, Zeah Stewart, Mila, Lynnette, Brave, Storm and Moses Bear Ground, and Skylar Rides Horse. Marvin was very blessed and had a total of 60 great great grandchildren. His brother in laws Robert “Hoss” Rides Horse Sr., Henry (Raylene), Harold Rides Horse. His sister in laws Christine (Ruben) DeCrane, Ursula (Barry) Russell, Rhonda (Pedro) Rides Horse-Hernandez, and Annie (Cyrus) Leider. His aunts Wilma Stands and Beverly (Tommy) Pretty On Top. Extended family includes the Stewart, Hogan, Big Lake, Little Nest, and Knows His Gun.

The family would like to thank Chairman Frank White Clay, Crow Indian Health Service CEO Dylan Black Eagle, IHS inpatient staff for the hospitality, and Eastern Montana Veterans Home for caring for our beloved Papa Marvin.

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