Cecil "Zeke" Johnny-John

Mr. Cecil "Zeke" Johnny-John, age 74, of 44 Seneca Street, Salamanca, New York died Saturday afternoon, June 30, 2012 at the Gowanda Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Gowanda, New York, following a long illness.

Born April 5, 1938 in Coldspring, New York, he was the son of the late Richard and Lorenza Gordon Johnny-John.

Mr. Johnny-John was an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians, the Hawk Clan, and was a Faith Keeper at the Coldspring Longhouse in Steamburg, New York for over 60 years. He was a member of the Allegany Singing Society and the Old Bridge singers. He was a member of the AIRVFD, the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post #5296 and the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post #535 in Salamanca, New York.

He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in the Korean Conflict.

He was employed with the Seneca Nation of Indians Bingo Hall and had previously been employed with their Department of Public Works.

Mr. Johnny-John enjoyed hunting and fishing and was an avid Bingo player.

Surviving are: 2 daughters, Lynne Cowher, Salamanca, NY and Andrea (Dre) Jimerson, Killbuck, NY; 3 sons, Russell Johnny-John, Steamburg, NY, Richard (Nancy) Johnny-John, Salamanca, NY and David (Rose) Jimerson, Salamanca, NY; 4 stepdaughters, Tina (Dave) Richardson, Killbuck, NY, Melinda (Randall) Reed, Salamanca, NY, Christine Milks, Killbuck, NY, and Patricia (Norman) Jimerson, Killbuck, NY; 2 stepsons, Arnold (Lori) Jimerson, Olean, NY and James Jimerson, Salamanca, NY; 2 brothers, Mr. Michael Johnny-John, Seneca St, Salamanca, NY and Mr. Kevin Johnny-John, Salamanca, NY; several nieces and nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife, Pauline Jimerson, a sister, Rosaphine Raub, a brother, Lyford Johnny-John, and a stepson, Raymond Jimerson.

Friends may call at the Faith Keepers School located on Perimeter Road in Steamburg, NY beginning Monday and continuing through Tuesday.

Funeral services will begin Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. at the Faith Keepers School, Steamburg, NY, followed by services in the Coldspring Longhouse.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York.

Burial will be in Hillside Haven Cemetery, Steamburg, New York.

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.