Dustin Smith Sr.

Dustin, 'Baby,' 'Brother,' William Smith Sr., 35, died Jan. 13, 2021.

He was born Jan. 10, 1985, to Eddy O. Smith Sr. and Connie Crowe-Smith in Williston N.D. He grew up and attended school in Poplar, graduating from Poplar High School in May 2003. During his high school years, he played basketball, which he greatly enjoyed, getting pointers from his personal coach, his brother, Ed. Playing basketball is where he acquired the nickname 'Baby.' Although he didn't run cross country, he could always be found at home running many miles on the dirt roads.

In his boyhood years, he was quite the daredevil. One time, he climbed onto the top of the trailerhouse and dove into a snow bank at the daring of his brothers. Another time, he came into the house all excited with the 'treasure' he and a friend had found. To the horror of the moms, they each had a handful of baby hairless mice which they had to promptly go and dispose of.

He attended Fort Peck Community College, where he received certificates in building trades. He eventually began work with the Fort Peck Housing Authority, where he earned many certificates in various areas of training, of which he was very proud.

He married Amber Black Dog July 7, 2012. From this union, Dustin Jr. was born on Feb. 26, 2010, followed by Dillinger who was born Dec. 20, 2012. They later divorced, but remained friends.

He later met Butterfly De-Marrias and, together, they had their daughter, DeShaunti Louise, on Nov. 2, 2018.

He enjoyed doing various activities and fishing with all his children. He made many friends in his short life and never had a bad word for anyone. Always laid back and willing to visit, he was a mean barbecue cook, cooking outside on the wood grill even when it was raining. If his brother Eddy wanted grilled food, Dustin would be out there firing up the grill, even in the winter.

Tragic events that led to his losing full use of his hands led to his depression, but he always greeted family and friends with a hug and “hi” when they showed up.

He is survived by his sons, Dustin Jr. and Dillinger; his sons’ mother, Amber; daughter, DeShaunti; his daughter’s mother, Butterfly; grandmother, Louise Smith; and sister, Carrie Pribbernow.

A funeral service for him and his mother was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 3, at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment followed at the Smith Family Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.