Park Hill, OK - Dennis Chief Springwater was born on January 14, 1942, in the old Hastings Hospital in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. He was a full blood Cherokee and spoke the language fluently. From a very young age he was raised by his grandparents, Levi and Polly Daughterty Springwater. Until fifth grade he attended school at North Greasy and then the family moved to Stilwell, where he continued his education, graduating high school in 1961. He was an outstanding athlete in high school, --a four-year letterman in football-- where he held some records in that sport for over 30 years.

His college career began with one year at Bacone College. He then continued his education at the University of Oklahoma and graduated from Central State University. He later earned a master's degree at Northeastern State University.

In March of this year, he celebrated 62 years of marriage with his high school sweetheart, Linda Strauss. They have two much beloved children, Dennise and Steven, and six grandchildren, who have brought him his greatest joy, plus two very special great granddaughters. Dennis was a family man who always put his family first. He spoiled the children, always making sure they had everything--especially new shoes!

Dennis loved his farm and spent many hours there working and taking care of his cattle.

He served six years in the United States Army Reserve.

His first job after college was with the Cherokee Nation.

After three years he was recruited by Northeastern State University. He served there two and a half years as Coordinator of Indian Affairs/Counselor. His most fulfilling accomplishment was seeing students graduate and go out knowing that they had achieved their goal.

He completed his career of thirty years at the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Following retirement from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, he served as chairman of the Cherokee Gaming Commission for six years.

He was preceded in death by the grandparents who raised him, Polly and Levi Springwater; Maternal grandparents Dan and Lucy Mankiller Hummingbird; sisters Loretta Tolliver and Ginger Springwater; and brothers Raymond Springwater, Stephen Springwater, and Albert Springwater.

Dennis is survived by a loving family left to continue his legacy are his wife, Linda Springwater; children Dennise Giddings of Stephenville, TX and Steven Springwater and wife Christy of Park Hill, OK; grandchildren Dillin Springwater (Jami) of Park Hill, OK, Jon Clark Giddings (Tatum) of Houston, TX, Jake Springwater (Mariah) of Moore, OK, Strauss Springwater of Dallas, TX, Faith Springwater of Park Hill, OK, and Emma Giddings of Stephenville, TX; great granddaughters Sawyer and Sayler Springwater of Park Hill, OK. He is also survived by sisters Roberta Gibson of Okmulgee, OK and Polly Teehee (Amos) of Claremore, OK and sisters in-law Paula Simpson (Don) of Tulsa, OK, and Nancy Sparkman (David) of Broken Arrow, OK; brothers John Michael Springwater (Alice), Levi Springwater (Betsy), and Rick Springwater (Sonya) all of Stilwell, OK. Many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive him.

Funeral services were held 11am Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Kester Family Funeral Service Chapel with Bro. D.J. McCarter officiating. Interment followed at the Stilwell City Cemetery under the care and direction of Kester Family Funeral Service.