Stephen Gray Hawk Sr.

Stephen “Stevie” Gray Hawk Sr., 90, died June 1, 2021, at the Poplar Hospital.

He was born on July 26, 1930, to Benjamin Gray Hawk Sr. and Josephine Kidder. He was born in Wolf Point, but was raised in Poplar.

Throughout his years, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War. Quite a story most of us would hear if you knew him. After his service for the U.S., he made his way back to Poplar where he met Edna Snell, whom he married on June 20, 1955, and started a family. They added several children to their union: Steven Jr., Josie, Maude, Kenneth, Patty and Barbara.

He was well known for his career in law enforcement. Starting out in the early ‘70s, he was a tribal police officer for a number of years. He left this for a job with the Fort Peck Tribes, but that just didn’t satisfy his cravings for serving the community. He returned starting out as a juvenile officer in the ‘80s, eventually becoming lead juvenile officer, becoming director of this job. In 1991, William “Bill” Beck needed help in starting the Poplar Police Department. He called on Stephen to help. He accepted and was appointed as police chief of the department. After months of hard work, he formed the department into a 24-hour-a-day, several-man force. During this time, he was also active in achieving for the youth. He created “We Care For Kids” during this time and was also known as “Grandpa” throughout the reservation.

He was also a strong supporter of veterans and their affairs. He also provided support for the local parades by announcing the floats and even emceed during Wild West Days and pow-wows.

In his spare time, he enjoyed working on electronics and even started a small business for local repair. He enjoyed spending time on yard work, volunteering or helping out wherever he was needed.

He was always a kind, caring individual who always had a story to tell, a hand to lend and a joke to make you laugh.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna; children, Josie, Barbara, Kenneth and Maude; granddaughter, Miranda Martinez; great-granddaughter, Felony Swan; and brother, Benji Gray Hawk Sr.

He is survived by his children, Steven Gray Hawk, Patricia Martinez; nine grandchildren; a great-grandson; and sister, Ida Cantrell.

Funeral services were held Monday, June 7, at the Assembly of God Church in Poplar. Burial with military honors was in the Poplar City Cemetery.