Arlyn Craig Headdress, Sr was born on November, 28th, 1950 at Poplar Hospital to Dale and Norma Headdress. He was the 4th born sibling out of 13. As a child Arlyn spent a lot of time with his grandparents, Henry and Sarah Headdress whom he loved dearly.
He moved to Poplar in 1962 and in the 8th grade He participated in the LDS Placement Program through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He then returned home after the school year where he finished his schooling in Poplar and ultimately White Swan High School on the Yakima Indian Reservation in 1969. After graduation he moved back to Poplar. He attended Brigham Young University in Provo, UT for a time where he would study Criminology/Criminal Justice.
He then moved back to Poplar and he was hired as a Bureau of Indian Affairs police officer. He pursued other employment opportunities and began his years of service with the Fort Peck Tribes, this includes a stint as a judge with the Fort Peck Tribal Courts. He then ran for the Tribal Executive Board in which he served 4 terms. During this time also was placed on the Board of Directors for West Electronics, a board he sat on for nearly 40 years until retiring in 2020 and he was also placed on the Fort Peck Community College Board of Directors, where he sat on for more then 30 years until retiring from that board in 2015. After 4 terms on the Tribal Executive Board, he then went back to work in law enforcement, this time as a Tribal Highway Safety Officer for the Fort Peck Tribes until being hired by the Bureau of Indian Affairs again, this time as a Rights Protection Specialist. In 1999, he decided he wanted to get back to serving his tribe directly rather than working for the federal government so he decided to run for the office of Chairman of the Fort Peck Tribes and was elected. This was a source of great pride for him. He would go on to serve two consecutive terms. During this time he had the privilege to serve on the Montana-Wyoming Tribal Leaders Council.
Arlyn will always be remembered for his kindness and willingness to help others. He had a great sense of humor and could light up a room with his presence. He loved spending time with his grandkids and great grandkids. He loved taking rides out to the land and telling stories. The last couple years were hard for him but he had his grandkids and great granddaughter Esme to keep him going.
Arlyn is survived by his children Michael Headdress, Anthony Headdress, Christopher (Olivia) Headdress, Angelita Headdress, Craig Headdress, and Arlyn Jr.(Mariah) Headdress. 12 grandchildren Jayden, Seth, Cru, Finesse, Essence, Louden, Sam, Colton, Bo Thomas, Ariel, Valkyrie, and Legend. 1 great grandchild Esme Victoria. 5 brothers Charlie Headdress, Henry (Patty) Headdress, Leroy Headdress, Lonnie (Juanita) Headdress, and Larry (Pearl) Headdress. 3 sisters Shannon (Bernie) Gonzalez, Ione Hanson, and Doris Headdress Thompson including numerous nieces and nephews.
Arlyn is proceeded in death by his parents, brothers Mitchell Headdress, Dale Headdress, and Sheldon Headdress; Sister Michelle Buck Elk; and great grandchild Chloe Headdress.
A prayer service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point. The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 29, 2021 at the New Community Hall in Wolf Point, Montana. Interment will follow at the Headdress family cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements and condolences for the family can be left by using the form below.
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
6:00 p.m.
Sunday November 28, 2021
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday November 29, 2021
New Community Hall
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
6:00 p.m.
Sunday November 28, 2021
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday November 29, 2021
New Community Hall
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Kerri Flitcroft says
So very sad hearing about your passing cousin. Rest In Peace and fly high with the angels. You will truly be missed. 😞
Iva Zimmerman says
So sorry to hear of your loss! Arlynn was one of our Tribal Leaders and he will surely be missed.
My condolences to the family! May God Bless and keep you in your time of sorrow!
Curtis Courchene says
I knew you suffered so long , now you’re at rest , thanks for your crazy stories 😅 Your Cousin , Cadillac
Warren C says
Well Arlyn
Been many years. So sorry we never got to meet again and talk. You were always family. Rest in Peace brother.
Carol Neutgens says
Condolences to the Headdress families. I thought a lot of Arlyn. So friendly, personable, and kind. He was one of my favorite people. May the Lord give you comfort knowing he was a special friend to many.
Carol Neutgens
Pr. Chris Holler-Dinsmore says
Deepest condolences on your loss. May the love and care of family and friends help ease the loss and bring comfort. May the Creator’s great love bring hope, healing and peace. Lifting you up in prayer.
Florence Garcia says
Condolences to the family. Arlyn was kind and generous and truly cared about helping the community. He will be missed.
Robert & Terry McAnally says
We send our condolences to Arlyn’s family and friends. May the Creator wrap loving arms around you all as you move through this time of grieving and loss.
Rita Headdress says
My thoughts and prayers are with the ones left behind. We love you uncle Arlyn
Marise Headdress says
See you on the other side uncle ❤
Rick Kirn says
Condolences to the family! Arlyn was the first Chairman I had the pleasure to serve under. Fantastic family! He will be missed. May god continue to bless your family!
Melody Byrum says
Cousin you are missed very much, I know that you are in your heavenly home no more pain or suffering. Rest In Peace
Rhonda Clark says
Rest in peace deksi, I remember the time that grandma Rosaline Shields adopted you as a son, she even honored you as son
Donald Boyd says
R.I.P. Former Chairman Arlyn Headdress You Were A Great Chairman For The Fort Peck Reservation Prayers To The Family In The Days Ahead..
Shannon Headdress Gonzalez says
Brother, i will miss you. I’m sorry you couldn’t be the last man standing like you always said you’d be. I can just hear you, Michele, Mitchell. Dale and Sheldon laughing about it. I will keep you close in my heart. See you soon then….❤
Janice Poowegup says
I’m so grateful we got to visit and catch up on the years. I’m treasure all the years we’ve known each other family. Michelle, Myself and Carol had some wonderful, crazy times with you. Fly High Brother. 💖
Rod & Ilene Standen says
We are so sorry about the passing of a good man who did so much for his family and community. We found him to be a thoughtful and genuine person interested in making life better for all of us. Our condolences to all his loved ones.
Darlyn F Grainger says
Condolences to all of the Headdress families during this most difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this. May God Bless you All. Arlyn was a good man.
Gregg Rasor says
Rest In Peace Cousin! I know your are running with your brothers and sister again! You will be missed! Love ya Cuz!
Evetta Two Bulls says
Sending our heartfelt condolences to the Headress family. Arlyn was a dear friend of ours. Prayers for comfort 🙏 and strength during this 😔 and difficult time
Wayne and Evetta Two Bulls
Rose Morsette says
Condolences to Arlyns family. Our chairman that was always good to our ppl,
Lisa Ventura and Carl Ritterpusch says
My deepest condolences to the Headdress family. Take comfort in the thought that he is with family on the other side. Good journey cousin.
Patt Iron Cloud says
Dear Brother Arlyn. I love you and I am so very heart broken 💔to hear of your passing into the Spirit World. God has a beautiful Plan of Happiness just for you and leaving Mother Earth is a part of the beautiful plan. Your Momma Norma and your Daddy Dale Sr. were lonesome for you and for their other babies who went home. God bless and comfort each of your children and Grandchildren. God bless your Brothers and Sisters. I know their hearts are shattered too. Brother Arjun, you have been truly blessed on Mother Earth to be a leader among men, not only in our Tribe but in the Church as well, The light of Christ always shines in your eyes. I love your beautiful laughter and smile. Your beautiful soul was needed in Heaven, and you’ll still do much good for our Heavenly Father in his Kingdom. I love you, our Most Honorable Chairman of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of NE Montana. We will never ever forget you and your strength. 🙏🏼🙏🏼😭😭💔💔❤️❤️
Jonny BearCub says
May the Lord hold you close as you return to our heavenly home. Travel in joy cousin and give my brother George an my boys a hug when you get there. Sending prayers of comfort and strength to the Headdress families as they prepare to celebrate your Life.
Trudy Fox says
My condolences to Arlyns’ family and friends. May God comfort and strengthen you with your memories of the times you had together.
JOEL FERGUSON says
Rest in Paradise Mr. Chairman. It was a pleasure knowing you and working with you. Your humor was contagious. You made days better. Journey Well Sir. Your work here is done.
Sandy Macdonald says
Sorry for your loss
Mary says
My sincere sympathy to all the family. My friendship with the Headdress family goes back a long ways. I use to cut all their hair at my salon i Mary;’s Curly top” in Wolfpoint; and developed a good friendship with the family. Your family will be in my prayers. God bless you all Mary Dillon
Evon Darci Charbonneau Martin says
Arlyn….(BUDDY)..Thinking of you and all the laughs.. good ole times..I know you are out of pain ..You’ll be missed! Fly High! Miss Yah!