Herschel Warren Wolf Black

     Herschel Warren Wolf Black, 36, of Billings, passed away May 9, 2026. His Indian names are Black Wolf - Northern Cheyenne Chief Society, Elk Caller - Northern Cheyenne Tribe, and Fortunate Worker - Crow Tribe. 

     He was born March 17, 1990, to Warren Daniel Wolf Black and Lydia Ruth (Bigman) Wolf Black, the fifth of six siblings.  Herschel’s birthday was always special to his family because he was born on St. Patrick's Day. His birthday was celebrated with all his sisters and his nieces and his nephews wearing green. His family always tried to make his birthday a very special day to celebrate the only boy. Herschel had a tough role because he was the only boy outnumbered by his 5 sisters.

     Herschel grew up in Lame Deer with his parents and siblings until 2012.

He got his High School diploma from Northern Cheyenne Tribal Schools in 2009.  He got his Diesel Mechanic Certification in 2013 from Kicking Horse Job Corps.  He also attended Salish Kootenai College where he got his CDL/Heavy Equipment Operator certificate in 2014. At Salish Kootenai College, Herschel was granted the Outstanding Student Award and was Honorably Mentioned in his graduating class of 2014. 

     Herschel was a very skilled and hard worker.  He took pride in any job position he held. He got along with all his co-workers and made many lifelong friendships. He was consistently acknowledged for his attitude and work performance. 

     Among the hobbies that he loved were playing video games with friends and family, watching movies with friends and family, and watching football and basketball - his favorite teams were the Broncos and Lakers. In High School he was on the starting five team for the Northern Cheyenne Eagles; during his senior year he went to play at the State tournament with his team. 

     Herschel never married, but in his romantic relationships, he was a caring partner.  Although he had no children of his own, he played a big role in raising his nieces and nephews.  Being the only uncle, he had a special place in their hearts. From 2012-2017 he lived with his family on the CSKT Reservation in Pablo, Polson, and Ronan, Montana. During this time, Herschel helped raise all of his nieces and nephews. He was always willing to help his sisters. It was important to him to support his sisters in reaching their goals. Herschel was always the person his sisters turned to if they needed help with babysitting. Herschel also helped his sisters with household chores and cooking. He was a very compassionate and caring brother who went out of his way to be there for all his sisters. 

     From 2017-2022, Herschel lived in Pocatello, Idaho, where he was a caregiver for his mother and father who both suffered from chronic pain. Herschel worked full-time, was a caregiver, and the financial provider for his parents. Herschel loved spending time with his mother and spoiled her every chance he got. He would take her to the movies and have no problem spending $100 on all the snacks she wanted. He was very close to his mother and did everything he could to keep her comfortable and happy. Herschel took his mother's passing very hard and never fully returned to his carefree and loving character. 

     After his mother's passing Herschel moved around and lived with each of his sisters. He helped care for his older sister Kimberly while she was recovering from a major surgery. He cared for his grieving father and sister Corina in Pocatello, Idaho. He spent time with his baby sister Henrietta and her family while visiting Pablo, Montana. He was blessed to spend time and visit his older sister Danelle and her family in Texas in 2024. In late 2024 until his death, he was living in Billings, MT and developed a close bond with his auntie Audrey and cousin Josette, as well as his close Northern Cheyenne family. He supported his grieving sister Ashly and her family in Crow. His passing was a shock to all that knew and loved him.  

     He is preceded in death by his mother, Lydia, in 2022, his paternal Northern Cheyenne grandparents, Alice Bigfoot and Henry Wolf Black, and his maternal Crow grandparents, Lois Jefferson and Clayton Bigman.

     Survivors include his father, Warren Wolf Black, sisters (oldest to youngest), Corina Wolf Black, Danelle Wolf Black, Kimberly Butterfly, Ashly Wolf Black, and his baby sister Henrietta Wolf Black, nephews, Ivan Calico, Deacon Calico, Robert "Daniel" Moore, Shawn "Kyle" Wilson Jr. Little Jimmy Wolf Black, Jackson Wolf Black, and Jacob Wolf Black, nieces, Alice Wolf Black, Baby Bryson Wolf Black, Brianna Moore, Baby Danelle Moore, Suzanna Wilson, and Alaina Wilson.

     Herschel had a big heart and was loved by many. He was comical and loved to make his family and friends laugh. He was humble and believed in God and his savior Jesus Christ. Herschel was a true character of love, compassion, empathy, understanding, forgiveness, kindness, and perseverance.    

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Herschel Warren Wolf Black, please visit our Tree Store.