Who is Enoch Kelly Haney? Biography

Enoch Kelly Haney was an internationally famous Seminole/Muscogee artist from Oklahoma who served as the major chief of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma from 2005 to 2009 and previously served in both houses of the Oklahoma Legislature.

Enoch Kelly Haney, a politician, and artist who made an indelible stamp on the statehouse passes away.

Kelly Haney, a former Seminole Nation Chief who served in the Oklahoma Legislature, ran for governor and had his art displayed all over the world, including on the top of the state Capitol, died on Saturday. He was 81 years old when he died.

Haney, who was born in Seminole County and most recently lived in Norman, served in the state House and Senate for 22 years, including as head of the Senate Appropriations Committee. According to the Seminole Nation, which elected him chiefly in 2005, he was the first full-blood Native American to serve in the Legislature.

“An inspiration to many, an accomplished (artist), his work with the state and later as Chief highlighted his career. But his greatest achievement is that of family,” said Brian Palmer, assistant chief of the Seminole Nation, in a statement on Saturday, which confirmed Haney’s death

In the Democratic primary for governor in 2002, Haney was defeated by former Governor Brad Henry.

Haney was also a talented painter and sculptor, having sculpted the monument “The Guardian” that stands atop the state Capitol dome.

“The towering statue exemplifies the valor of Oklahomans and their ability to overcome the most horrific catastrophes such as the bombing at the Alfred P. Murrah Building in Oklahoma City,” Haney’s Arts Council profile states. “The Guardian is a reminder that just below him within the halls of our grand Capitol, the true guardians of Oklahoma, our elected officials, and others, are working every day to improve this already magnificent state.”

Rooted in his history

Haney discussed how his art was rooted in his history in a 2014 interview as he planned a new display of his work.

“My grandfather and father were great storytellers, so I have that ability to tell stories, about native people and their history and so forth. So I guess in one sense I’m still the keeper of the traditions,” Haney said. Haney said he began drawing things he observed and sculpting with clay at the age of two, according to his mother.

“At age 6, I used red clay from our front yard to create Abraham Lincoln’s head,” Haney said. “I started studying Indian art under Dr. Dick West at Bacone College in Muskogee. I went to the University of Arizona and then graduated from the Oklahoma City University School of Art in 1965. It was at OCU that I developed the style and learned about realist painting and surrealism.”

Enoch Kelly Haney Age, Family, and Early Life

Enoch Kelly Haney was 81 years old. William Woodrow Haney and Hattie Louise Haney had Enoch Kelly Haney on November 12, 1940, in Seminole, Oklahoma.

enoch kelly haney family

His father was a flute maker and artisan, and his paternal grandpa, Willie Haney, was a Seminole Tribe Chief in the 1940s and contributed to the Smithsonian Institution’s oral history project.

Enoch Kelly Haney Career, What was his Profession?

Enoch Kelly Haney was an internationally famous Seminole/Muscogee artist and politician from Oklahoma. From 2005 until 2009, he was the major chief of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, and he previously served in both houses of the Oklahoma Legislature. In the 2002 election, he also ran for Governor of Oklahoma.

A bronze statue of Haney stands atop the Oklahoma State Capitol. Another of his works can be found in Ada, Oklahoma, at the Chickasaw Nation headquarters.

Which school and college did he go to? What was his major?

Haney earned an Associate of Arts degree from Bacone College in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Oklahoma City University after graduating from Prairie Valley High School in Earlsboro, Oklahoma in 1959. He received a Rockefeller Foundation Scholarship to attend the University of Arizona.

Enoch Kelly Haney Net Worth, How much does he earn?

There are no details on the net worth of Enoch Kelly Haney at the moment.

Also Read: How much is Mwai Kibaki Net worth? 2022 Updated, Dies at 90, Cause of Death, Wife

Enoch Kelly Haney Wife, Was he married? Any children?

There is very less info on the marital status of Enoch. He was a married man, however, the details of his wife aren’t available.

Chris, 33, and Nick, 27, are his sons, while Stephanie, 30, is his daughter. His seven grandchildren are also left to mourn Haney’s death.

Is Enoch Kelly Haney available on any social media platforms?

Enoch is on Instagram as @thekellyhaney.

Body Appearance of Enoch Kelly Haney’s Height, Weight

HeightN / A
Hair colorWhite
Eye colorBrown
WeightN / A
Body typeFit
 Sexual orientationStraight

Interesting facts about Enoch Kelly Haney’s that you should be known about 

NationalityAmerican
EthnicityWhite
Age81
Relation  statusMarried
WifeN / A
Children3

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