Matthew Black Thunder
Matthew Earl “Matt-E” Black Thunder, 41, died Sept. 14, 2025, in Poplar.
He was born to Russell E. Black Thunder and Earlene L. Jones July 2, 1984, in Sidney. Like in many native families, he was raised by his grandparents, Flora May Eagle Boy and Jay Sparvier. During those years living on “the Hill,” he spent a lot of time at his aunts’ and uncles’ home (Allen and Verdne). He 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 and he gained bonus daughters, Kahomi, Angela, Patricia and Audrey. They divorced in 2022, but remained friends.
He was currently working the garden at F.P.C.C. — which he loved to do. In past years, he was employed to do fencing. He was in pool leagues and enjoyed playing and being around his friends. He lived to cruise, sip and jam his music.
He is survived by his grandmother, Vivian Jones; and sister, Yolanda Parshall.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 11 a.m. at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment followed at Poplar City Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.
