Richard "Chief" Pahmahmie, Jr.

Richard “Chief” “Tug-nah-ba” Pahmahmie, Jr., 77, of Mayetta, KS, passed away Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, KS. He was born July 24, 1948 in Holton, KS, the son of Richard “Dick” Pahmahmie, Sr. and Josie (Wamego) Pahmahmie.

Richard graduated from Mayetta High School in 1966 and he attended Haskell University. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1968 -1988.

He worked in maintenance for Prairie Band Nation for 20 years, retiring in 2014. In early years, he worked for Pahmahmie Construction for 5 years.

Richard was a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, Drum Religion and We-Ta-Se Post 410.

He married Pamela Brewer on May 5, 1995 in Topeka, KS, they celebrated over 29 years of marriage and had been together since 1981.

Survivors include his children, Richele Pahmahmie, Tamara Pahmahmie (Junior Ramirez) and Zach Pahmahmie all of Mayetta, KS; adopted children, Gaynell Jessepe, Gilreath Aitkens, Robert Jessepe (Cecily) all of Mayetta, KS, Curtis Keltner (Katherine) of Texas and Michael Keltner (Linda) of Topeka, KS; adopted granddaughter, Gea Jefferson; 2 sisters, Dolly Richard (Mike) and Anita Evans (Mando) both of Mayetta, KS; 2 brothers, Lawrence Pahmahmie and Alan “Boney” Pahmahmie (Brenda) both of Mayetta, KS; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Josie Pahmahmie; son, Justin R. Pahmahmie; adopted-son, Merle Jessepe; sister, Phyllis Dunn and 4 brothers, Merle “Tuffy”, Albert, Henry and Roy Pahmahmie.

Family will greet friends from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Monday, February 9, 2026 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Drum and Wake Service will be Tuesday evening, February 10, 2026 at Danceground Building. Burial with Military Honors will be Wednesday afternoon, February 11, 2026 at Wahwaksum Cemetery.