Arlon L Chapman Sr.

Arlon Lee Chapman Sr “Chief” Hehaka Maza aged 66 from Poplar MT, passed away peacefully at Poplar Community Hospital surrounded by his loved ones on January 9th 2026. He was born on October 20th, 1959 to Raymond Buckles and Minerva Chapman. Arlon’s early years were spent between Crow Hill, Fort Totten, and Devil’s Lake, ND with his grandfather Grover Cleveland, whom he had a close bond with because Grover passed on the traditions for Chief to give to the next generation. Anyone who knew Arlon would always leave with a life lesson that they didn’t know that they needed. Arlon also spent 2 years in Chicago, IL and 2 years in Moline, IL with his family.

Before returning to Poplar his first child Donavan Herman was born in Devil’s Lake. Upon his return to Poplar, he had Arlon Jr, Dustin Jackson, Arlonda, Brian, Arthur, Philip, Jacey, and Francesca Valendez. He stayed close friends with all of the mothers of his children until the day he passed, because his children were the joys of his life.

Arlon’s life accomplishments include acquiring his GED, a welding certificate, working at the Williston Herald but being a crew boss as a Hot Shot seasonal firefighter was his greatest endeavor. He would tell amazing stories to his friends and children about his time as a Hot Shot and traveling all over the western United States. He loved camping at pow-wows, telling stories, playing pool, making diamond willow canes, beading, but out of it all he enjoyed fishing the most, anyone who knew Chief knew you could find him by following the river to any one of his numerous fishing spots along the bank of the Poplar and Missouri River.

Arlon is survived by his sons, Donavan Herman, Arlon Chapman Jr (Jamie), Dustin Jackson, Arthur Chapman, Philip Chapman and his adopted son Paul “Grandson” Brien, his daughters, Arlonda Chapman (Franklin), Jacey Chapman (Cole), Francesca Valendez (O.J), and adopted daughter Luane Brien. Arlon had numerous grandkids and great grandkids that were the light in his life, His lifelong friend Anita Brien. Sisters Becky Simmons, Marva Chapman, Monita Chapman (Cody), Shannon Chapman, and Lynette Shields, brothers Dana Mireau, Dana Buckles, Hank Buckles, and Kevin Mitchell.

Arlon is preceded in death by his grandparents Mary Wakan, Thomas Buckles, Laura Iron Cloud, Grover Cleveland, Nancy Cleveland, and Philip Chapman. His mother and father Minerva Alberts and Raymond Buckles. Rosalind “May” Chaser. His siblings Francine Buckles, Karen Buckles, Cissy Buckles, Kelly Chapman, Raymond Buckles Jr, Conrad Buckles, Roger Buckles, and Frank Buckles. His son Brian Chapman and nephew Gerron Summers. He also is preceded by his numerous friends and firefighting buddies.

We deeply apologize if we missed anybody, Arlon was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

A wake will be held on Monday, January 19 at 7pm, funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 20 at 11am all at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment will follow at Poplar City Cemetery.

Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.claytonstevensonchapel.com.