Nelson J. Wallace, Jr.

Nelson Wallace Jr., age 59, passed away on June 17, 2025, in Seattle, Washington. He was born on March 30, 1966, in Crow Agency, Montana. He was raised on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation and also spent significant time on the Crow Reservation throughout his life.

He was proud of his cultural heritage and of being both Northern Cheyenne and Crow. He maintained strong ties to his roots and was a fluent speaker of the Cheyenne language. He also had working knowledge of the Crow language and maintained cultural and familial connections across both tribal nations.

Nelson received his early education through Northern Cheyenne Tribal Schools and later attended Chemawa Indian School where he met Rose Paul, whom he carried a lifelong connection. He resided in Seattle during the later years of his life, where he established a community and remained until his passing.

Nelson loved the outdoors. He especially enjoyed hunting with his cousin Leland Bearcomesout, which dates back to their early childhood. But above all, his greatest passion was basketball. Whether playing, watching, or talking about the game, his love for basketball was known by everyone who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Letha Limpy and Nelson Wallace Sr.; his first cousin Leland Bearcomesout; as well as his grandson, Darius West. As well as numerous number of family members that have passed but not forgotten.

He is survived by his five siblings: LeAnne, Barry, Meredith, Gregory, and Ellen; his two daughters, Sonya (Dontay Sr.) and Latonya (Samuel Sr. deceased), whose mother is Jeanine LaForge(deceased); and his five sons, Sean, Marty (Aaliyah), Curtis Sr. (Ranae), Michael (Trey), and Nelson III. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren Dontay Jr, RaeLynn, Ranessa (Josh), Tionna, Devon, Damien, Tamia, Amyah, Samuel Jr., Maliyah, Darien, Eternity, A’ene, Axxaashe, Bilitaachiia, Charlotte, Chloe, Curtis Jr., Cassandra, Cheniyah, Jordan, Marty Jr., Amar’e, Marvyn, Enokahe, Enexahe, Mahkose; and 3 great-grandchildren Solomon, Nalani, and one expecting.

Nelson’s life was deeply shaped by the love and influence of many people who held special places in his heart. In addition to his parents, he was especially grateful for the presence and guidance of Hilda Moss, Edith Manly, Agnes & Henry Limpy and their children, Lillian Limpy, Agatha House, Twila House, and Loettal Wallace. Their support, wisdom, and companionship were deeply valued throughout his life.

Nelson was also connected to a large and loving extended family including members of the Pretty Paint, Wallace, Graham, Lion Shows, House, Lefthand, Don’t Mix, Dawes, White Fox, Mountain Sheep, Stray Calf, Other Medicine, Birdinground, Pickett, Morrison, Medicine Horse, Not Afraid, Plenty Hoops, Pretty Weasel, Bear Cloud, Pryor, Westbrook, Deputee, Brightwings, Big Day, Big Medicine, Falls Down, Whiteclay, Old Dwarf, Gonzalez, Glenmore, Fredericks, Spottedhorse, Two Leggins, Three Irons, Hugs, Little Light, Walks Over Ice, Stewart, Limpy, Littlewhiteman, Brady, Spoon Hunter, Bearcomesout, Manly, Moss, Longjaw, Friday, Hisbadhorse, and Oldbull families. 

As you all know, our family is large and we acknowledge the possibility of unintentionally missing some. Please forgive us if we have overlooked anyone, each of you held a special place in Nelson’s life.

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