Percy Bear
Percy Jerome “Butch” Bear, 83, of Wolf Point died June 28, 2026, at Faith Home in Wolf Point.
Born on May 7, 1943, in Poplar, he was the son of Susan Archdale Bear Warrior and John “Johnny” Bear. He 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, 18 months before Butch was born. 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, he 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.
He graduated from Poplar High School in 1962. Soon after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army. 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 nearby. For his bravery and sacrifice, he was awarded two Purple
