Percy “Butch” Jerome Bear, 83, of Poplar, Montana, passed away on June 28, 2026, in Wolf Point, Montana, at Faith Lutheran Home. Born on May 7, 1943, in Poplar, Montana, Butch was the son of Susan Archdale Bear Warrior and John “Johnny” Bear.

Butch was the first grandchild of James "Jim" Archdale and Rose Fighter Archdale. His grandparents welcomed him with immeasurable love after the heartbreaking loss of their son, Percy, who was killed while serving in the South Pacific during World War II, eighteen months before Butch was born. To them, he was a precious blessing. Shortly afterward, his cousin Anita was born, and the two were raised side by side. Together with Linda, Carol, Kathleen Red Thunder, Judy, Suzanne, and Feryl Greufe, they shared a childhood filled with family, laughter, and lasting memories.

As the only boy in his family, Butch was known as a tough and determined young man, but those who truly knew him also knew the gentle, compassionate heart beneath his rugged exterior. As the years passed, his kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for his family became the qualities that defined him most.

Butch graduated from Poplar High School in 1962. Soon after graduation, he proudly enlisted in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era. While serving in Vietnam, he was wounded by shrapnel while laying mines. Later, while stationed in Korea, he was wounded a second time after a lightning strike caused an explosion that took the life of a fellow soldier and friend nearby. For his bravery and sacrifice, Butch was awarded two Purple Hearts.

After completing his military service, Butch attended Northern Montana College before beginning a career as a wildland firefighter. He later worked in the oil fields of northeastern Montana and North Dakota before joining the Fort Peck Tribes Roads Department, where he faithfully worked until his retirement.

Butch was first married to Iris Packineau, and together they welcomed their son, John. Although Johns's life was tragically brief, he remained forever in Butch's heart. Later, Butch married Louise Boyd, and together they welcomed their son, Dale Jerome Bear. Raising Dale in Poplar was one of Butch's greatest joys, and he worked tirelessly to give his son every opportunity and every blessing he could provide.

Following his retirement, Butch made his home with his cousin, Kathleen. He enjoyed caring for those around him in simple but meaningful ways, especially by cooking breakfast each morning. As his health declined, Kathleen, Traci, Joshua, Pat, Feryl, Dale, and Barb lovingly cared for him, surrounding him with the same devotion and compassion he had shown others throughout his life.

Butch is survived by his beloved granddaughter, Lylith Bear; the mother of his granddaughter, Jennifer Crowe; special daughter-in-law, Barb Blackshear; cousins Anita Red Thunder Bauer (Clyde), Kathleen Red Thunder Ventura (Barry, dec.), Linda Red Thunder Atchico (John, dec.), Feryl Greufe, and Suzanne Greufe Smith: Bear cousins Debbie Bear, Tanya Bea, and Connie Price.

Butch is preceded in death by his beloved sons, Dale Jerome Bear and John Bear; his parents, Susan Archdale Bear Warrior and John "Johnny" Bear; maternal grandparents, James "Jim" Archdale (Indian Name: Black Owl) and Rose Fighter Archdale; paternal grandparents, Edward Bear, Iva Bear Goodbird; aunts and uncles, Evelyn and Joseph Red Thunder, Myrna and Harry Greufe, Chuck Eagleman; the family wishes to acknowledge that Butch’s circle of loved ones was extensive. While every effort has been made to include everyone, some names may have been unintentionally omitted.