Harvey E. "Piapeko" Ross, Sr., was born on September 3, 1936, the son of Herbert and Grace (Anderson) Ross, in rural Horton, Kansas. He grew up in the Horton area and at the age of 14 moved to Lawrence, Kansas and attended Haskell Institute. While in Lawrence, Harvey worked on a number of building projects and became a very talented bricklayer. After attending Haskell Institute, Harvey joined the United States Army. His career in the Army was an honorable one that lasted 18 years. He was active duty during both the Korean conflict and the Vietnam War. He served in a number of capacities while in the Army including as a paratrooper, a member of the Special Forces during Vietnam, and as a drill sergeant at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Harvey was also a U.S. Army Europe track and field champion. For his courageous service he received two Purple Hearts after being wounded in conflict, double Bronze Stars, Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device. After his military career, Harvey continued in his trade as a brick mason through his retirement. Harvey's lifestyle was very traditional in relation to his cultural heritage. He was a spiritual leader within the Kickapoo Tribe and an active member in the tribal community taking part in a number of groundbreakings and graduations. He was involved with the Boys and Girls Club of the Kickapoo tribe as well as being an assistant football coach with the Kickapoo Nation High School during the 82-83 football season. Harvey was invited to participate in the funeral service of Kansas Governor Joan Finney and led the Kickapoo Tribe Honor Guard. He also was an honored guest at an interfaith service representing the Kickapoo Tribe put on by Governor Kathleen Sebelius. As a we-ta-se he was a member of the Powhattan American Legion, Kickapoo American Legion, and a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans.
Harvey died on Sunday, July 26, 2009 in Hiawatha, Kansas at the age of 72. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Grace (Anderson) Ross; and a son, Herbert Ross. Survivors include his wife, Alwanda of the home; sons, Harvey Ross, Jr. of Horton, Ralph Ross of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Vincent Ross of Horton, and Joseph Ross of Horton; daughters, Urbana Martinez of Warm Springs, Oregon, Relda Ross of Eugene, Oregon, Mary Ross of Warm Springs, Oregon, Pearl Haag of St. Joseph, Missouri, and Grace Ross of Horton; stepsons, Russell Tallbull of Shiprock, New Mexico, and Melvin Tallbull of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A drum service will be held Wednesday evening at the Kickapoo Community Building. Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 30, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. at the Kickapoo Community Building with interment taking place at the Anderson Cemetery. The Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton , Kansas is in charge of arrangements.