Matthew Earl Black Thunder

Our beloved son, brother, nephew, uncle and cousin Matthew “Matt-E” Black Thunder was tragically taken from us unexpectedly September 11, 2025.

Matt-E was born to Russell E. Black Thunder and Earlene L. Jones July 2, 1984 in Sidney, Montana. Like in many native families he was raised by his grandparents, Flora May Eagle Boy and Gay Sparvier. During those years living on “the Hill” he spent a lot of time at his aunts and uncles’ home (Allen and Verdine). Him and the boys would play kick the can, basketball, video games and take nature walks on Sundays.

He attended Poplar Schools and graduated from Poplar High School. In 2011 he met Adriana Ruiz they were married in 2017 in which he gained bonus daughters, Kahomi, Angela, Patricia, and Audrey. They divorced in 2022 but remained friends.

Matt was currently working the garden at F.P.C.C. - which he loved to do. In the past years he was employed to do fencing. He was in pool leagues and enjoyed playing and being around his friends.

Everyone that knew Matt-E knew he lived to cruise, sip and jam his music.

Matthew is survived by his maternal side grandmother, Vivian Jones; aunts, DeAnna (Sam) Red Star, Marta Jones, Nancy Jones and family; bonus children Kahomi, Angela, Patricia and Audrey; cousins, Christine, Raina, Sami, Antoinette, Marcus, Myles, Brent, William, Earl and Duran Taylor, Dorrell and Donelle Black Thunder, Travis, Josh and Jake Black Thunder, Jasmyne Hamilton, Josh and Noah Sparvier, Nelson and Shane Olney. His surviving paternal side sister, Yolanda Parshall (Kristin and Nicole and families); Steffie Ann and Marcella Eagle Boy, Verdine and Allen Russell, Kim and Robin Sparvier, Gloria Buckles, Pauline Boxer, Rose Longee, Vern, Myron, Robert, and Lawrence Red Eagle, Linda and Dave Lezard and Myra and Jon Daniels, Cheryl and Herald Boyd, Mr. and Mrs. Tony Iron Bear, and Robert Harrington; aunts Holly Hopkins, Carol Black Thunder and Dreamis EagleBoy; grandmas Naomi Young and Juanita Youngman; uncles Terry EagleBoy and Adrian (Peggy) Ireland.

Matt is preceded in death by his Mama, Earlene L. Jones; father, Russell “Schmo” Black Thunder; his maternal and paternal grandparents, Virginia Big Talk and Earl Jones Jr., and Flora May Eagle Boyd and Edward Black Thunder; special friend Winona "Nona Sioux" Longee; his beloved dog Ablazin; and many other family members that have gone on before him.

Until we meet again little brother, you will be deeply missed every day.

Matt came from a large family on both sides. Extended families include, Red Eagles, Iron Bears, Eagle Boys, Lamberts, Sparviers, Johnsons, Big Talk, Walking Eagle, Lewis, Melbourne, Fast Horse, Birds, Grey Hawk, Eagleman, and White Hawk families. If we forgot anyone we apologize.

A wake will be held on Tuesday, September 23rd at 7:00 p.m., funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 24th at 11:00 a.m. all at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment will follow at Poplar City Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.

Condolences for the family may be left using the guestbook below.