Arlon Chapman Sr.
Arlon Lee Chapman Sr., “Chief” Hehaka Maza, 66, of Poplar died at Poplar Community Hospital on Jan. 9, 2026.
He was born Oct. 20, 1959, to Raymond Buckles and Minerva Chapman. His early years were spent between Crow Hill, Fort Totten, and Devil’s Lake, N.D., with his grandfather Grover Cleveland, whom he had a close bond with because Grover passed on the traditions for Chief to give to the next generation. He always left others with a life lesson that they didn’t know that they needed.
He also spent two years in Chicago, Ill., and two years in Moline, Ill., with his family.
Before returning to Poplar, his first child Donavan Herman was born in Devil’s Lake. Upon his return to Poplar, he had Arlon Jr., Dustin Jackson, Arlonda, Brian, Arthur, Philip, Jacey and Francesca Valendez. He stayed close friends with all of the mothers of his children because his children were the joys of his life.
His life accomplishments include acquiring his GED, a welding certificate and working at the Williston Herald, but being a crew boss as a hot shot seasonal firefighter was his greatest endeavor. He would tell amazing stories to his friends and children about his time as a hot shot and traveling all over the western United States.
He loved camping at powwows, telling stories, playing pool, making diamond willow canes, beading and fishing. He could often be found by following the river to any one of his numerous fishing spots along the bank of the Poplar and Missouri rivers.
He is survived by his sons, Donavan Herman, Arlon Chapman Jr., Dustin Jackson, Arthur Chapman and Philip Chapman; adopted son, Paul “Grandson” Brien; daughters, Arlonda Chapman, Jacey Chapman and Francesca Valendez; adopted daughter, Luane Brien; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; lifelong friend, Anita Brien; sisters, Becky Simmons, Marva Chapman, Monita Chapman, Shannon Chapman and Lynette Shields; and brothers, Dana Mireau, Dana Buckles, Hank Buckles and Kevin Mitchell.
He was preceded in death by his siblings, Francine Buckles, Karen Buckles, Cissy Buckles, Kelly Chapman, Raymond Buckles Jr., Conrad Buckles, Roger Buckles, and Frank Buckles; and son, Brian Chapman.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Jan. 20, at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment was at Poplar City Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point was entrusted with the arrangements.
