Matthew Lone Fight Jr., 55 unexpectedly passed away on Sunday August 4, 2024 on Highway 85 north of Keene, ND.

Matthew Lone Fight Jr. was born on July 19, 1969, in Watford City to Matthew Sr. and Tillie (Turner) Lone Fight. He was the only boy until his baby brother was born in 1979. He grew up in rural area West of Mandaree and also lived under the care of his uncle Fred Lone Fight who he took as his dad.

He was always with FJ and Wayne Lone Fight and MJ Hall, who also was family to his uncle Fred, is where he learned the rodeo life. His dad’s sisters were a big part of his life. His aunty Martha’s son Tony Hale lived with his aunty Lois and that is where their close bond developed when they’d visit. Through both of these men he heard all the stories from Vietnam to his uncle Roderick Lone Fight Champion saddle bronc riding in old Sanish Rodeo. It was from that upbringing he rode bull and bareback in high school, competing in ND High school Rodeo Finals. In high school he attended a bull riding school hosted by Denny Flynn. His biggest supporter through his high school rodeo career was his rodeo club advisor Corrine Brugh-Sage who whole heartedly supported the rodeo club. His high school team consisted of the late Quail Bruce, Antoin Brugh and Eugine Smith.

He had plans to stay in Arkansas with Denny Flynn and ride Bulls but his older sister Sherry encouraged him to graduate high school and once he graduated, he surprised everyone including his mother that he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. During this time of service, he went to combat and was decorated many times for his acts of bravery. Matthew was only 19.

When he came home, he struggled with civilian life. He spent most of his adult life exploring all of his many options. His greatest accomplishments and what he valued most were his children Phil, Chrissy, and Angel and his grandchildren. He also had close relationships with his nieces and nephews. Uncle Matt was a humble man who valued family. He lovingly cared for his father and stayed by his side until his death in 2005 and he suffered greatly when his beloved mother left in 2018.

He is reunited with his family now…. His mom, his dad, his sister Mary Lou, uncle Fred Lone Fight and Anthony Hale and brother F.J Lone Fight and sister Emma White Owl, Hazel Felix, Christine “George” Gonzales, and nephew Lyman Young Bird.

He is survived by his children Philip Lone Fight, Chrissy Mae Lone Fight, and Angel Solis; grandchildren Angelo, Sodaya, and Castiel; sisters Sherry (Ted) Lone Fight lll and Vivian Hall; and brother Zehuman Chazierman.

He lived an amazing life: a cowboy, a highly decorated combat veteran, and a MARINE. He was an advocate in his own right.