Christopher Linn Smith, son of Donald & Mary Helen Smith was born December 1, 1970 in NYC on his father’s birthday. On Friday, July 26, 2019 the Creator placed a hand on Chris’ shoulder to begin his journey at the family home. His Kiowa name is Paugoodle (Red Buffalo), given to him by his great-grandfather Linn Pauahty, who was the nephew of Red Buffalo.
Christopher never met a stranger. His ability to connect with people began at an early age and continued through his life, as a result, the list of friends he loved and who loved him back is extensive. Christopher was an open book who shared his triumphs and tragedies with loved ones within his circle; as a result, many felt comfortable talking with him about things they could not share with others.
In the early 1990’s, Christopher was hired at Dallas Cable Access television starting his career as a videographer. As a professional videographer, he walked inside the ropes with golfers at PGA & USGA major tournaments, worked the sidelines of NCAA & NFL football, was ringside for World Championship Boxing, next to the dugout at MLB games, and practically any other sporting event that is televised. Chris worked on several Native American productions and has conducted several interviews with Rock & Roll luminaries for a planned documentary of Kiowa guitar legend Jesse Ed Davis.
He shared a passion for golf with his father, who loved to ride along with his son for a round. Chris had recently returned to the dance arena, Straight Dancing at Pow Wows. His joy being in the arena enriched his life in a way that made all who loved him happy to see his contentment. Chris was a member of the Kiowa TiaPiah Society. He will be remembered by all who loved him for the laughter he created among them.
He is survived by his mother, Mary Helen Deer Smith, Oklahoma City. Brothers, Stephen Gregory Smith and wife Jewel Tsatoke, Lawton; Linn David Deer, Oklahoma City. Sisters, Rachel Escobar, Georgia & Genny Deer, Ayla Medrano, Shoshana Wasserman, Oklahoma City, Judy Fields, Tulsa, Lisa Tiger, Santa Fe. Uncle, Alvin Deer, Oklahoma City. Aunts, Melinda Deer Bohnett, Verden; Sandra Medrano, Oklahoma City. Nephews, David & Jeremy Tsatoke, Lawton. Nieces, Tvske Billy, Oklahoma City, Alyssa Pagel, White Bear Lake, MN; Numerous nephews, nieces, & grandchildren from the Deer family, and a very special Sagee, Nokose Springer, Oklahoma City.
He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Smith; paternal grandparents Harry & Marjorie Smith; maternal grandfather George Deer Jr., maternal grandparents Roy & Fern Sluder; Maternal great-grandparents Linn & Edna Pauahty, George & Lillian Deer, Uncle Melvin Deer and Aunt Laura Deer.
