Russell E. “Schmo” Black Thunder, age 50, of Poplar, MT passed away Sunday, February 19, 2012 at the Poplar Hospital.
Russell was born to Flora Mae Eagle Boy and Edward Black Thunder on May 17, 1961 in Poplar. He grew up in Chelsea and attended Poplar Schools. He enlisted into the Armed Services in 1980. In 1981, he met Earlene Jones Ackerman and had one son, Matthew Earl Black Thunder. He was discharged from the Army in 1983.
Rust was a firefighter and helped trained crews in North Dakota and South Dakota. His pass time was playing pool with many friends, which he had many great times with. In his younger years he liked to play sports, football and basketball were his favorite. He loved to spend time with his grandson, Ashton Hopkins and visiting his friends and relatives talking about sports or good movies. He also enjoyed listening to music, Bob Marley was his favorite. The best time of Rusty’s life was raising his son, Matthew.
He is survived by his son, Matthew Black Thunder of Poplar; longtime best friend, Earlene Jones Ackerman of Poplar; brother, Dooley (Carol) Black Thunder of Poplar; sisters, Holly Hopkins, Althea (Alan) Eagle Boy, and Little Dove Black Thunder all of Poplar; nephews, Travis, Joshua, and Jacob Black Thunder; nieces, Dorelle, Donelle Black Thunder and Ashley Hopkins of Poplar; grandsons, Ashton Hopkins, Geoff and Adam Black Dog; uncles, Arnold and Floyd Eagle Bo; aunts, Gloria Buckles, Naomi Montclair, Velma Nepstad, Juanita Youngman, and Donna Chase all of Poplar; extended families include the Iron Bears, Lezards, Daniels, Boyds, Bears, White Bulls, Red Eagles, Boxers, Longees, Sparvier, Onleys, Teboe, Russell, Eagle Boys, Harringtons, Buckles, Kidders, Parshalls, Lamberts, Spotted Birds, Pinays of Canada, and Black Thunder Family of Sisseton, SD. He had many adopted brothers, sisters, daughters, and sons and numerous nieces, nephews, and grandkids.
Russell is preceded in death by his parents, Flora Mae Eagle Boy and Edward Black Thunder; grandparents, Rose and Matthew Eagle Boy; uncles, Willard, Nelson and Melvin Eagle Boy; aunts, Cynthia Sparvier, Sandra Red Elk, Mary Turning Heart, Mayme Red Eagle, Irene Lowry, and Isabelle Kidder.
Rusty, you will be truly missed by all of those who knew you!
A wake will be held 7 p.m. Sunday, February 26 at the Poplar Cultural Center in Poplar. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, February 27 also at the Poplar Cultural Center in Poplar. Interment will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery in Wolf Point.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.