Franklin Patrick “Cornbread” Antelope, Jr., a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2024, in Riverton, Wyoming. Born on March 29, 1967, in Riverton to Franklin Patrick Antelope, Sr., and Elizabeth Jean (Oldman) Antelope, Cornbread lived a life rooted in family, community, and tradition.
Cornbread was baptized into the Catholic faith and was a proud enrolled member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe. He carried his heritage with pride and lived a life that reflected his deep connection to his people and the land he loved so much. His grandfather, Daniel Oldman, Sr. gave him his Indian name, Drinking Coyote.
Cornbread’s early years were spent at St. Stephen’s Indian School, where he graduated from eighth grade in May of 1981. He then attended Wyoming Indian High School, graduating in 1986. During his high school years, Cornbread made history as a team member of the Wyoming Indian High School Chiefs basketball team that achieved an incredible 50-game winning streak during the 1985–1986 season. His love for basketball endured throughout his life, and he took great joy in watching his children and grandchildren play the game he loved so much.
After high school, Cornbread worked as a Bureau of Indian Affairs Wildland Firefighter. He took great pride in his work, protecting the land and forests that held so much significance to him and his family.
Cornbread was a man of many talents and hobbies. He loved being outdoors, spending time hunting, fishing, and camping, often in the mountains with his family. He had a knack for working on cars and enjoyed the challenge of fixing and restoring them. Most of all, Cornbread treasured the moments he spent with his family. Whether it was watching a basketball game, camping under the stars, or simply sharing stories and laughter, Cornbread found joy in the simple, meaningful moments of life.
He is survived by his sons, Franklin P. Antelope, III, Ashton White Antelope, and Shawn Limpy; his daughters, Patricia (Clinton) Burnett and Chandria and Nora Trippo; and his cherished granddaughters, Shalayna Blackburn, Tanayah Burnett, Natayah Burnett, Celene Burnett, Moryanah Burnett, and Baby Amora Lotus-Faye White Antelope. Cornbread’s family extended far and wide, including his brothers, Jerome “Jerry” Antelope, Sr., Wesley Antelope, Sr., Gary Antelope, Darwin Perea, Moose Brown, Charlie Brown, CJ Walker, Robert C’Bearing, Robert Garcia, and Darren Antelope; and his sisters, Mary (Billy) Fighting Bear, Alfreda June Antelope, Kay Antelope Davis, Valerie Brown, Rosie Brown, Vanessa Posey, and Viola and Lori Harris.
Cornbread was also surrounded by a large extended family, including his aunts, Catherine Oldman-Eagle, Nora Pauline Oldman, and Alvina Redman-Oldman; many nieces, Kelli Davis, Shanell and Roy Jr. Shamblen, Elizabeth Pine, Jerilyn and Kristen Antelope, Katelynn Busheyhead, Natasha and Shaniece Antelope, Summer Walker and Janae Harris; nephews, Leland Fighting Bear, Homer and Nolita Fighting Bear, Irvin and Karlina Fighting Bear, Ethan and Rolanda Fighting Bear, Darryn Davis, Dakotah and Katrina Fighting Bear, Wesley Antelope, Jr., Dane Busheyhead, Jerome Jr. and Donovan Antelope, Redsky and Charles Antelope, Ethan Harris and cousins; and his loving dogs, Gus and Biscuit.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Franklin Sr. and Elizabeth Jean (Oldman) Antelope; his wife Donna Faye Antelope, and his daughter Shaylynne Antelope. Cornbread also reunites with his father- and mother-in-law Marvin and Irene (C’Bearing) Harris; his sisters Loretta Oldman-Pine, Brenda Brown, Michelle, and Deanna Antelope; his brother Dana Antelope, Sr.; his brother-in-law William Harris, Sr.; and his beloved Sundance Grandfathers, Ralph Beard and Lee Pedro; nephews, Ivan Pine, Sr., Dominic Fighting Bear, Shane Limpy, Ian Pine, Sr., and Taylor Yellowbear; nieces, Annalisa Davis-Hudson and Florence Pine, and grandchildren, Kyle Kojak, Taelynn Jay, Ivan Pine, Jr., and Elizabeth Lorraine Limpy; as well as his faithful dog Big Gus.
Cornbread’s legacy is one of love, strength, and resilience. He was a man who could always be counted on for a warm smile, a helping hand, or a story that would bring laughter. He cherished his family, his faith, and his community, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Funeral services for Franklin Patrick “Cornbread” Antelope, Jr. will be held on Monday, December 30, 2024, at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Yellowcalf Cemetery. A Vigil service with a Rosary will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at Eagle Hall.
Cornbread touched the lives of many with his kindness, humor, and deep love for his family and heritage. His spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
On-line condolences for Kathy’s family may be made at TheDavisFuneralHome.com
Arrangements under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Crematory, and Monuments.