McKinley Iron, Jr.

McKinley Iron Jr. made his journey to be with our Lord and Savior on May 2,2023. He was affectionately known as baby boy to family and friends. He was born to McKinley Iron Sr. and Nathelle Young Swallow Jefferson. He was born in Crow Agency on January 27, 1950. He was raised in St. Xavier and taken to Billings for a short period of time and later moved to Lodge Grass, MT. He was a Greasy Mouth Clan and a child of the Piegan Clan. He attended trade school in Pablo, MT. He learned the trade of culinary arts and became a cook at several Billings Restaurants. He became a baker for Sweetheart Bread Factory. Unfortunately, he had to retire early due to health issues. He enjoyed long visits with family and friends. He was known for his long walks and would walk over 10 miles. One of his joys in life was being able to cook for his family and grandchildren. He was married to Valerie Stump both were blessed with their daughter Ashley (John) Gun Shows. From past relationships McKinley was blessed with Jashaun Eagleman, Kenny and Nicolette Rogers, Harvey, Lynn, Sheldon, and Sean Iron.

McKinley is preceded in death by his loving wife Valerie Stump Iron, son’s Colen Gibson and Harvey Iron. His daughter Nicolette Rogers. Granddaughter Lugenia BlackHawk and Lucia Eagleman. His father McKinley Iron Sr. and Mother Nathelle (Lester Jr.) Young Swallow Jefferson. Maternal Grandparents Harvey and Rhoda Blanket Bull Young Swallow. Adopted mothers Emma Beads, Rita Don’t Mix. Adopted father Harry Beads. Paternal Grandparents Albert and Helen Iron. His brothers Robin Kay, Calvin Iron, Harold, Ervin and Truman Jefferson, Theron, and Verlyn Old Elk. Sister Rhoda Iron Flat Lip.

Surviving relatives his daughter’s Ashley (John) Gun Shows, Jashaun Eagleman, Lynn Iron, Deidhra Hill, and Julia Rides the Horse. Son’s Kenny Rogers, Sheldon, and Shaun Iron. Sisters Valerie and Alberta Iron, Tina (Comrad) Alden, Colleen Caplett, Kristin (Daniel) Iron Road, Mary (Lane) Simpson, Cheryle (Tom) White Clay, Christine (Dale) Good Luck, Sharon Peregoy, Maria (Preston) Onion and Carmen LaForge. Adopted sister Jackie Black Smith and Jobyna Stump. Brother’s Clinton (Corliss), Faron (Rose) Iron, Cyrus (Annie) and Calvin Jr Lieder, Sharon (Latona) Old Elk, Nathan (Allison) Young Swallow, Alvin, Jr., Courtney and Albert Stewart. Uncles Tronson, Denis (Nora) Big Hair, John (Laurena) Holds the Enemy. Wallace, Kevin, Aaron, and Marlin Red Star. Aunties Velma Fitzpatrick, Doris Holds, Connie and Walla Red Star. Grandchildren Kijah, Akyalee, Aaliyah, Laniyah, Octavia, Desmond, Diego, Camille, Ale, Trista, Liko, Aiden, Willis, Alexander, Libby and Lila.

Extended family include Iron, Blanket Bull, Young Swallow, Red Star, Hunts the Arrow, Leider, Bull Shows, Spring Field, Old Bull, Sings Good, Plain Feather, Bull in Sights, Half, Big Hairs, Holds the Enemy, Bird in Ground, Stewarts, Old Elks, Beamont, Grey Bull, Good Lucks, Jefferson, LaForge, Crooked Arms and Covers Up. Also, the descendants of Pretty Eagle.

Please forgive us if we omitted any family and friends during our time of grief.

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