United Keetoowah Band Of Cherokees Mourns Loss Of Assistant Chief

The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma has announced funeral services for Assistant Chief Charles Locust.

Locust died March 22, 2014 at Stilwell Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness, according to a news release. He was 57.

The funeral will take place at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, at the Cherokee Baptist Association Tabernacle in Briggs.

Charles Locust grew up in Stilwell and held a Bachelor's degree in Social Science with emphasis in Business Administration.

"The passing of Assistant Chief Locust is a great loss to the Keetoowah Cherokee people," said UKB Chief George Wickliffe. "As is the way of the traditional full blood Cherokee people, the UKB will be in mourning for 30 days, and then it will be followed by an additional 30 days of silence. This time is sacred for the tribe and the family."

Assistant Chief Locust was Executive Director of Tribal Operations, Executive Director of Housing (HUD), and Executive Director of Social Services, Budget Analyst, Financial Analyst, Construction Liaison, Administrative Officer, General Manager of a Gaming Facility, and Director of Gaming. He was also the Chairman of the Gaming Commission.

He was also employed by the Gaming Enterprise Corporation and held the positions of President of Gaming Division, Sales and Marketing Director and Vice President of Administration.