APRIL 2004
Eldean K. Vandersloot ~ April 1, 2004
Donald Byrn Leach ~ April 1, 2004
Dorothy M. Dixon ~ April 4, 2004
Jennie Nicholls Lewis ~ April 6, 2004
Emma Isabelle Holkan ~ April 6, 2004
Marianne Frances Reed ~ April 7, 2004
Paulette Johnson ~ April 8, 2004
Harold "Lee" Johnson ~ April 12, 2004
Arturo Villarreal, Jr. ~ April 13, 2004
Mark E. Grosinger ~ April 13, 2004
Reynaldo Saldano Flores ~ April 17, 2004
Mark E. Grosinger ~ April 19, 2004
James W. Cox ~ April 18, 2004
Leon A. Banks ~ April 18, 2004
Elaine Nalley ~ April 21, 2004
Cal Snoll Taggart ~ April 21, 2004
Robert W. Randall ~ April 21, 2004
Wilbur W. Drennen ~ April 26, 2004
Robert E. Harvey ~ April 28, 2004
James Neal Large ~ April 28, 2004
Sarpta Darlene Asay ~ April 29, 2004
Eldean K. Vandersloot - April 1
Eldean K. Vandersloot, 72, of Greybull, died Thursday, April 1 in Billings, Mont.
She was born Sept. 6, 1931, in Heil, N.D., daughter of August F. and Delia A. (Thome) Moos. In 1937, the family moved to Hardin, Mont., where she entered school, graduating in 1948.
On April 24, 1949, she married Edward Vandersloot. She worked as a telephone operator, sales clerk and then bookkeeper at the Farmers Union, where her husband was manager.
In 1968, the family moved to Joliet, Mont. Eldean enjoyed attending the sports events their children were involved in, also camping and the many business trips.
In 1970, she was appointed Justice of the Peace, later becoming city police judge for Joliet, Fromberg and Bridger. When the family moved to Powell in 1982, she worked as dispatcher for the Powell Police Department. Later she was appointed as assistant city police judge, a position she resigned in 1987.
She enjoyed her retirement, the traveling and her beloved children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Kenneth and Edgar Moos.
Survivors include her husband Ed and her four children: sons Rick (Joyce), David (Elaine) and Pat (Claudia); and daughter, Julie (Greg). she is also survived by 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place, and no services are planned, as per her wishes. Contributions to the Ronald McDonald House would be appreciated by the family.
Donald Byrn Leach, 84, died Thursday, April 1 at St. Patrick Hospital inFrenchtown, Mont., of cancer.
He was born February 1, 1920 in Lewiston, Idaho, to Floyd and Mary (Parks) Leach. He graduated high school in Grangeville, Idaho, and served with the Air Force during WWII. In 1949, he married Virginia Mitchell. She passed away in 1969. In 1972, he married Leona Lovercheck, of Powell. He enjoyed hunting for sapphires and loved his garden. He was a true gentleman farmer. His friends called him the "Tomato Man". He was preceded in death by his sister Violet; his brother Robert; his parents Floyd and Mary; and his mother and father-in-law Frank and Phyllis Lovercheck. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Leona; seven children (his and hers), Sharon, Larry (Marcie), John, DeAnn (Dan), Ken (Bonnie), Phyllis (Kevin), and Marty; his sister Louerene (Lester) Shaw; his brothers, Earl (Marie), Wayne (Carol), and Lawrence (Marilyn); several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and cousins, Totsie, Ellen, and Louise. Memorial services were held on Tuesday, April 6 at 2 p.m., at the Frenchtown Community Church with Rev. Bill Jackson officiating. Memorials are preferred to Camp Make-A-Dream. Arrangements are under the direction of Garden City Funeral Home.
Dorothy M. (Chapin) Dixon - April 4
Funeral services for Dorothy M. (Chapin) Dixon, 77, were conducted Wednesday, April 7 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Casper. She died at Life Care Center in Casper on Monday, April 4 after a long struggle with Alzheimers disease. The Rev. Michael Carr presided at services. She was born at Casper on May 2, 1926, to Charles S. and Margaret (Glossen) Chapin. Following graduation from Natrona County High School, she attended Mills College in Oakland, Calif., and earned her B.A. degree from the University of Nebraska. She married the late Hon. John T. Dixon in 1948 and was the mother of six children, making her home for most of her adult life at Powell. In addition to being a mother and homemaker, she was actively involved in community affairs, including scouting, St. Barbara's Catholic Church, the Elks Club and Powell Country Club. She was a charter member of the Powell Ripple Wine Bridge Club.
In spite of her illness, she played piano and read avidly almost until the end of her life. She was a dedicated bridge player and golfer, enjoyed gardening and all things Wyoming. She was a serious sports fan, with a special love for the Wyoming Cowboys. Survivors include her son Patrick Dixon of Casper; her daughters, Janet Flynn of Broomfield, Colo., Donna Dixon of Reston, Va., Shawn Sims of Powell, Terry Harley of Spokane, Wash., and Margaret Sato of Boise, Idaho; two brothers, Donald E. Chapin and James H. Chapin; 11 grandchildren and her granddog, Ben.
The family would appreciate memorials to the Wyoming Alzheimers Affiliation, or the Steve Sims Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of Northwest College Foundation, 231 W. 6th St., Powell, WY 82435.
Jennie Nicholls Lewis - April 6
Funeral services will be conducted Friday, April 9 at 10 a.m. in the Cowley Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for Jennie Nicholls Lewis, 81, who died Tuesday, April 6 at North Big Horn Hospital in Lovell after an extended illness. Viewing will be one hour prior to the service in the Relief Society room of the church. Burial will be in the Cowley Cemetery. Haskell Funeral Home of Lovell is in charge of arrangements.
Emma Isabelle Holkan - April 6
Funeral services were conducted at the Catholic Church in Wheatland Monday for Emma Isabelle Holkan, who died Tuesday, April 6 at the age of 101.
She was born in Matamora, Ill., daughter of Peter and Sophia Streb. She married George Holkan on Sept. 17, 1929. The family moved from Webster City, Iowa, to Wyoming to work on the Pitchfork Ranch at Meeteetse in 1943, then later moved to the Penrose area. In the mid-1950s, thy moved again to Dwyer, Wyo., and finally to Wheatland.
They had five children, sons Ted, Tom and Bill; and daughters, the late Ethel Graham of Powell and Donna of Wheatland. Locally surviving grandchildren include Roxann Lovell of Clark, Gloria Soto of Powell, John Graham of Worland and Grace Melberg of Ontario, Canada; also numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George, and her daughter, Ethel Graham.
Marianne Frances Reed - April 7
Marianne Frances Reed, 81, Powell, died Wednesday morning, April 7 at the Powell Valley Care Center after an extended illness. She was born to Polish immigrant parents, Frank and Anna (Kaczmarek) Kosmider on Jan. 5, 1923, in Milwaukee, Wisc. She studied voice and piano at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. She worked as head timekeeper at Globe Union. Also involved at the YWCA as club director, she met Niles Wilbur Reed of Powell on April 1, 1945. They were married July 20, 1946. She was active in the Catholic Church, singing in the choir and at weddings and funerals. She also taught catechism at St. Barbara's Catholic Church for 19 years and was involved in fundraising and memberships for Community Concerts. She loved to read and enjoyed canning and cooking the rewards of her gardening. Married for 57 years, she is survived by her husband, N. Wilbur Reed of Powell; five children, Ted Reed of Los Alamos, N.M., Linda Brabec of Libby, Mont., Kathleen Brakke of Denver, Anthony Reed of Seattle, Wash., and Jocelyn Reed of Denver; 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Four siblings also survive her: Esther Gajewki of Sun City West, Ariz., Anthony Kosmider, Bernadette Kolacki and Rosie Berweiler, all of Milwaukee.
Visitation will be held Monday from 5:30 p.m. until the time of Christian Wake Services and Rosary at St. Barbara's Catholic Church at 7 p.m., Father Pete Johnson presiding. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. at St. Barbara's Church. Burial will follow in Crown Hill Cemetery. Miratsky-Easton Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Paulette (Branstetter) Johnson, 61, died Thursday, April 8 at her home In Prineville, Ore., with her kids by her side. She battled cancer for two years.
No services are planned, at her request. She was born on Nov. 25, 1942, in Greybull, to Orville and Catherine (Meyers) Townsley. Her family moved her to Powell where she attended the local schools.
On May 21, 1960, she married Glenn F. Branstetter. They raised three children, then later divorced in 1981.
She later married Ron Johnson. They moved from Wyoming to Oregon where they built a home and business. Her hobbies included antique shopping, flower gardening and spending time with her grandchildren. Survivors include her husband, Ron Johnson;, brother in-law, Rob Johnson, son in-law, Justin and his wife Stacey Johnson and granddaughter, Mara Johnson, 7, all from Prineville; daughter, Lynette and Don Norman, granddaughters, Melissa, 9, and Chelsea, 7, all of Columbia Falls, Mont.; two sons, Brandy Branstetter of Yellowstone National Park and Thomas Branstetter of Wyoming; cousin, Elaine and Dale Massing of Harlowton, Mont. She was preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Catherine Townsley; sisters, Lucil Martin, Virginia Townsley and Pauline Siebel; grandchildren, Chelsie Anne, Chase William and Sara Olivia Norman; brother in-law, James Martin and nephew, Edward Martin. Memorials may be made to Crook County Boys & Girls Club in Prineville, Ore.
Harold "Lee" Johnson - April 12
Services for Harold "Lee" Johnson, 84, of Casper, formerly of Frannie, are scheduled for Friday, April 16, 2004, at 10 a.m. at Highland Park Community Church.
Pastor Steve Chadderdon will officiate. Burial will be in Oregon Trail State Veterans' Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Natrona County United Veterans' Council. Viewing will be Thursday, April 15, 2004, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Newcomer Family Funeral Home.
He died on April 12, 2004, at the Central Wyoming Hospice Home.
He was born on June 28, 1919, to Franz Oscar and Nannie (Smeltz) Johnson on the family homestead in Prowers County, Colo. He was the youngest of eight children and spent his early years catching and training wild horses on the family ranch.
He married Alma Conard on June 29,1940, in Johnson, Kan., and they worked on various ranches in the area. Johnson served in the U.S. Army in the South Pacific during World War II with the 77th Infantry Division. Upon his discharge in 1946, the family moved to Lamar, Colo. where he was a cabinet maker for Brown Lumber Company. The family moved to Glenrock in 1951 and he went to work for Conoco Oil Company. He worked for Conoco at the Glenrock refinery, in the South Glenrock and Big Muddy fields, the Frannie field and finally moved to Linch in 1964 where he retired from Conoco after 33 years of service. After retirement, he and his wife moved to Casper.
While living in Glenrock, Johnson was one of the early founders of Little League Baseball in Wyoming and served as the first Wyoming President for Babe Ruth Baseball. Besides baseball, he enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, gardening and his family and friends.
He is survived by two sons, Jimmie Joe (Carolyn) Johnson of Glenrock and Gary L. (Nancy) Johnson of Casper; and his daughter, Sandy Rusciolelli of Casper. He is also survived by two grandchildren who he raised: Richaelle (Mike) Hauffe of Marengo, Ill., and Nick (Lisa) Rusciolelli of Upland, Calif. He is survived by six other grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, many close friends and his beloved dog, Tuffy. He was preceded in death by his wife in 1992, his parents, four brothers and three sisters.
The family would appreciate memorials to the Central Wyoming Hospice Program, the Casper Humane Society or a charity of the donor's choice.
Newcomer Family Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Mark E. Grosinger, 81, of Powell died peacefully Tuesday, April 13, 2004 at Deaconess Billings Hospital. His family was at his side.
Visitation will be Sunday, April 18, at 1:30 p.m. at Miratsky-Easton Funeral Home. The Eulogy and Rosary will follow at 3 p.m. at St. Barbara's Catholic Church.
Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday, April 19 at St. Barbaras.
Interment will follow at Crown Hills Cemetery.
A full obituary will be published in a later edition.
Arturo Villarreal, Jr. - April 13
Arturo Villarreal, Jr., 27, passed away at the Powell Hospital on Tuesday, April 13, 2004.
He was born October 20, 1976 in Raymondville, Tex. to Arturo and Hilda (Davila) Villarreal and moved to Powell with his parents 14 years ago.
He is survived by his parents and two sisters, Maria Villarreal and Alejandra Perez, and seven nephews, Alex, Arturo, William and Daniel Villarreal and Jose, Paulino and Joel Perez. Also surviving are numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Visitations will be Thursday from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Miratsky-Easton Funeral Home and on Friday at St. Barbara's Catholic Church from 5:45 p.m. until Christian Wake Services begin at 7 p.m. with Father Peter Johnson officiating.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at St Barbara's. Interment will be at Crown Hill Cemetery.
Memorial services for James W. Cox, who died Sunday, April 18 at the Powell Valley Health Care Center, will be Saturday, April 24 at 11 a.m. at Union Presbyterian Church. He was 81.
Mr. Cox was born April 2, 1923, to Roy and Bertha Cox in Seattle, Wash. After several years in the Seattle-Tacoma area, the family moved to Orcas Island in Puget Sound. He graduated from Orcas High School in 1941, attended Washington State University for one year and then enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943.
While attending the University of Wyoming in the Specialized Training program, he met and courted Shirley Williams of Powell. He was sent overseas to fight in the Italian campaign with the 34th Red Bull Division, 5th Army. After World War II was over, he remained in the occupation army in Italy until January, 1946.
Returning to the U.S. to receive his discharge, he and Shirley were married on Feb. 7, 1946, at her parents' farm home near Powell. They went to Seattle where both finished their college education at the University of Washington.
In 1949, the couple returned to Powell to enter the farming business. Two children were born to them: Bill and Janet.
Over the years, Jim enjoyed his farming activities, hunting, fishing and camping trips, reading, bowling, card games with friends. In retirement, he took up wood carving and puzzles and traveling in the U.S. in a motorhome and overseas on tours and cruises. He belonged to the American Legion, the VFW, and Aerie 2426 of the Eagles Lodge, of which he was a past president.
There is an open gate at the end of the road through which each must go alone, and there is a light we cannot see as Our Father claims his own. Beyond the gate our loved one finds happiness and rest . . . and there is comfort in the thought that a Loving God knows best.
Survivors include his wife Shirley of 58 years; his son, Bill Cox (Noreen) of Powell; daughter Janet Baumann of Evergreen, Colo.; six grandchildren: Norman (Jodi) Cox of Casper, Jason and Ryan (Vickie) Cox of Rapid City, S.D., Kristin Cox Greenwald (Trent) of Powell, Brett and Dan Baumann of Evergreen, Colo.; and three great-grandchildren, Ethan and Avery Cox of Casper and Sheridan Cox of Rapid City.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be made to Powell Valley Hospice and Powell Hospital Auxiliary or to the charity of one's choice.
Funeral Mass was celebrated Monday, April 19 at St. Barbara's Catholic Church in Powell for Mark E. Grosinger, 81, who died peacefully Tuesday, April 13 in the presence of his immediate family at Deaconess Billings Clinic.
He was born March 24, 1923, in the small town of Fingal, N.D. He was youngest of four children and has joined his sisters, Eleanor and Margaret, and his brother, Paul, in the Lord's hands.
Both sides of Mark's family, the Grosingers and the Baumgartners, immigrated from Pilgersdorf, Austria, to North Dakota, starting new lives in the land of the free. As a teenager, Mark joined the Civil Conservation Corps and moved to Sydney, Mont. He then went to college at North Dakota State in Fargo.
In 1942, at the age of 19, after one and a half years of college, like others his age, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps.
From 1942 to 1946, he served his country in Europe during World War II as a first lieutenant and pilot for the 315th Troop Carrier Group of the Army Airborne. In 1953, he began a career in the lumber business, as a distinguished and award-winning manager, and continued to work until 2003.
He served his community in many service clubs and organizations, as well as youth baseball. He participated in the VFW, American Legion, Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus and ascended to Captain of the Powell Volunteer Fire Department.
Survivors include his wife of 48 yars, Mary Jean Grosinger of Powell; four children, Matthew Grosinger (Andrea), Mary Coats (Tom), Lawrence Grosinger (Robin) and Julie Burgener (Eric); five grandchildren, Gwen Mary Bustos (Nick), Leah Jeanette Grosinger, Jesse Thomas Grosinger, Veronica Jean Burgener and Olivia Ann Burgener; and one great-grandchild, Lily Rose Bustos.
Memorials may be given to the Powell American Legion Baseball team, P.O. Box 57, Powell, WY 83435, or the Northwest College Foundation, 231 W. 6th St., Powell, WY 82435-1895.
Burial was in Crown Hill Cemetery.
Reynaldo Saldana Flores - April 17
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Wednesday, April 21 for Renaldo Saldana Flores, 69, Powell, who died Saturday, April 17 at the Powell Nursing Home.
Father Pete Johnson officiated at services and burial in Crown Hill Cemetery.
He was born Feb. 8, 1935, in Crystal City, Texas, to Pioquinto and Enriqueta (Saldana) Flores. He married Helena Marshall Oct. 7, 1952, in Moorhead, Minn.
He spent his working years as a farm laborer. He liked gardening and assembling puzzles.
Survivors include his wife Helena Flores of Powell; sons, Reynaldo Flores, Jr. of Minneapolis, Minn., and Ramon Flores of Powell; daughters, Mary Flores of Fremont, Nebr., Betty Lauden of Worland, Rose Soria of Minneapolis, Darlene Escobedo of Powell, Stella Alonzo and Antonia Flores, both of Fremont, Nebr., and Rebecca Flores of Powell; brothers, Pedro Flores of Powell, Juan Flores of Lubbock, Texas, Eligio Flores of Minnesota, Guillermo Flores of Crystal City, Texas, David Flores of Milwaukee, Wisc., Daniel Flores of Billings, Mont., and Jose Flores of Colorado Springs, Colo.; 31 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Carolina Flores; and a brother, Abel Flores.
Funeral services were held Thursday, April 22 at Greenlawn Memorial Chapel in Bakersfield, Calif., for former Powell resident, Leon A. Banks, 85, who died April 18 in California.
Mr. Banks was born on March 12, 1919, in Cowley. He worked in the agriculture business in Wyoming for many years.
He had a great passion for music. He played many different stringed instruments, focusing on the stand up base. He also played the piano and organ.
Leon enjoyed woodworking, fishing and traveling. He will be missed greatly by his family and friends
and special friend Earl Jones, his partner in music.
Survivors include his wife Radine Banks of Bakersfield; daughter and son-in-law Leona and Bob Hestekind of Frenchtown, Mont.; daughter Sue Watts of Woodland, Calif.; son and daughter-in-law Roger and Carolann Banks of Bakersfield, Patti Ashby-Alexander and Dan Alexander of Bakersfield; Bill and Linda Ashby of Wyoming, Bob and Jane Ashby of Michigan and Gary and Suzanne Ashby of Florida; 14 grandchildren; 12 greatgrandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Laura; and two children, Lanny and Luanna Banks.
Funeral services are scheduled Wednesday, April 28 at 11 a.m. at the Lovell LDS Stake Center for Cal Snoll Taggart, 80, of Lovell, who died Wednesday, April 21 at the Sun Health Hospice in Sun City, Ariz.
A visitation will be held today (Tuesday) from 5 to 7 p.m. at Haskell Funeral Home in Lovell.
Cal Taggart was born Feb. 6, 1924, in Cowley to Grant and Fern S. Taggart. He and Irene Dover were married in 1945, and together they had two children, Todd Taggart of Healdsburg, Calif., and Dana Cranfill of Cody.
He graduated with a B.S. degree from BYU in 1946, and in 1948, he graduated from the Institute of Insurance Marketing at Southern Methodist University. He also attended Notre Dame University and the University of New Mexico.
He began as a life insurance underwriter with the Taggart Agency in 1948, serving on numerous councils, chairing many committees, and he was recognized often with industry awards.
His passion was community service, which he began as mayor of Lovell in 1962, serving six years. He helped to build and served many local and regional organizations, including the Wyoming Industrial Development Corp., the Wyoming Association of Municipalities and the Big Horn County Hospital board. He served in the Wyoming State Senate from 1972 to 1984, chairing the Senate Transportation and Highway Committee and serving on the Senate Judiciary Committee. He was a driving force in the reconstruction of U.S. Highway 14-Alternate over the Big Horn Mountains.
During this time, he served in an advisory capacity under Gov. Cliff Hansen and was appointed by Gov. Stan Hathaway to the Yellowstone Centennial Commission and the Old West Trail Foundation.
He was one of Lovell's and Wyoming's strongest promoter to the end. He was a member of the LDS Church and a navy veteran of World War II.
He was honored in 1974 with Cal Taggart Day by his hometown, and in 2002 Gov. Jim Geringer recognized his many efforts with the declaration of Cal Taggart Day in Wyoming.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Irene, of Lovell; his son Todd and his daughter Dana; daughter-in-law Mary and son-in-law Steve; and five grandchildren, Grant, Paige and Ian Taggart, and Meghan and Laura Cranfill.
Burial will be in the Cowley Cemetery, with arrangements by Haskell Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. today (Tuesday) at the Cody Church of Christ for a former Deaver resident, Elaine Nalley, who died Wednesday, April 21 at St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings, Mont. She was 68.
She was born in 1935 in Winchester, Tenn., to Floyd Orville and Amelia May Yates.
The family moved to Tulare, Calif., in 1943., and then on to Bakersfield, Calif. She graduated from Redondo Beach High School and married James E. Nalley on Feb. 14, 1956.
They moved to Jackson Hole in 1966. She ran Memory Lane Antiques at Hoback Junction, retiring in 1980.
She is survived by her husband, James; five children, sons David, Glenn, Alan and Ivan, and a daughter, Amber; 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jack and Tom Yates; and one sister, Margaret Herring.
Burial will be in the Deaver Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Funeral services were Monday at Sheridan's First United Methodist Church for Robert W. Randall, 82, who died Wednesday, April 21 in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County.
Pastor Don Derryberry officiated. Burial was in the Masonic #43 section of the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery, with military honors by the John Donald Garbutt Post No. 7 of Sheridan and the Wyoming National Guard.
Mr. Randall was born Sept. 2, 1921, on the family homestead north of Sheridan to Fred and Perle (Hill) Randall.
He grew up in the Sheridan area and graduated from Sheridan High School in 1939. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and was sent to Fort Lewis, Wash. He served in the Philippines and Japan during Word War II and watched the signing of the peace treaty on the U.S. Missouri on Sept. 2, 1945, from the shores of Tokyo Bay.
He returned to Sheridan where he was a carpenter working under the Carpenters Union headquartered in Casper. During his years as a carpenter, he worked for various Sheridan area construction companies, including Nelson Construction and Randall Construction Co. He retired in 1984 and received his 50-year pin with the Carpenters Union.
He married Anna L. Kester Jan. 13, 1946, in Sheridan.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Sheridan, Big Horn Mt. Lodge #43, Elks Lodge #520 and the Carpenters Union. He enjoyed working on the apartments he owned in Sheridan, going to his wife's family ranch on Ash Creek to be around the cattle, repairing fence on the ranch, fishing and spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Anna; four brothers and a sister.
Survivors include one son, Gregg Randall of Powell; one daughter, Deborah Sanders of Houston, Texas; and four grandchildren.
For those who wish, memorials to First United Methodist Church, 215 W. Works Street, Sheridan, WY 82801, would be appreciated by the family.
A lifelong Wyoming resident, Wilbur W. (Whimpy) Drennen, 85, died Monday, April 26 at the Powell Valley Healthcare Center. He had been a resident of the nursing home for the past year. He was born April 23, 1919, in Lingle to Lloyd and Mary (West) Drennen. He graduated from Lingle High School in 1938. From 1940 to 1945, he served with the U.S. Army in the 41st Infantry Division, seeing action in New Guinea and the Philippines. He married A. Lorraine Turner in Douglas in 1945. She preceded him in death. He married Genevieve Newell in Worland in 1967. She also preceded him in death. He joined Mountain Bell Telephone Co. in Douglas in 1952, serving as a lineman on a roving construction crew. In 1954, he became a combination man in Dougas, a service technician with responsibility for home telephone installation and repair. He transferred to Worland in 1967. He retired from Mountain Bell with 25 years of service. He was active in the Elks, American Legion and the Masons. He belonged to Telphone Pioneers of America. He enjoyed playing golf, fishing, spending time with his friends and family and played and coached American Legion Baseball. Survivors include his daughters, Carol Richendifer and husband Zern of Powell, and Phyllis Johnson and husband Jake of Douglas; stepson, John (Bob) Newell of Renton, Wash.; sisters, Jean Ellsworth of Sun City, Ariz., and Elaine King and husband Jack of Broomfield, Colo.; brother, Albert Drennen and wife Darlin of Denver; six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchjildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; two wives; a brother, Vergil; and a great-grandson, Ryan Turner Jacobs. By his wish, cremation has taken place and burial will be held in the Lingle Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorials to a charity of choice would be appreciated by the family.
Funeral services for Robert Eugene Harvey, 78, of Powell, are scheduled for Thursday, May 6 at Assembly of God Church at 10 a.m. He died Wednesday, April 28 at Powell Valley Hospital. He was born Dec. 15, 1925, in Denver. He grew up living in various oil camps, but settled in Powell in 1938 with his family. He attended school in Elk Basin and fondly remembered working and living with his uncles and hauling timber in the Big Horns when he was 14. He served in the Army Air Corps during WWII. Upon discharge, he worked for Stanolind Oil & Gas and returned home to the woman he loved. Bob married Lucy Arlene Linn on Sept. 12, 1946, and together they had six children. He began working at Dicks' Well Service in 1957, where he worked for 32 years. He retired in 1990, but it didn't suit, so he went to work for Axelson and enjoyed this change of work. He was an avid craftsman, who enjoyed woodworking and "making sawdust." His greatest joy came from being around the people he loved. He enriched the lives of his friends and family through his playful jesting and genuine love. He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Cora Hibler Harvey; and his father, Rolland Albert Harvey; daughter Janet Lavonne Harvey; brothers Rex Laverne Harvey, Rolland Elvin Harvey, George Raymond Harvey and sister Donna Lee Johnson. He is survived by his wife, Lucy; son Tim Harvey of Powell; son Bill Harvey of Louisville, Ky.; son Jim Harvey and wife Debra of Casper; daughter Helen Crain and husband Bob of Pampa, Texas; daughter Tammy Schalla and husband Rob of Bridger, Mont.; sister Edna Daugherty and husband Carl of Powell, eight grandchildren, one great grandchild and many nieces and nephews.
Bob and his sense of humor were hugely loved and will be greatly missed.
Memorials may be sent to Heart Mountain Disabled American Veterans, Van Fund at the First National Bank in Powell, (307) 754-7208.
Funeral services for former superintendent of schools, J. Neal Large, were Monday morning, May 3 at the Union Presbyterian Church in Powell. Mr. Large, 82, Powell, died Wednesday, April 28 in Billings, Mont.
He was born March 6, 1922, in Birmingham, Ala., son of William Jefferson Large and Mabel Leigh (English) Large. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and married Janet Ruth Dunson in Traverse City, Mich., on Aug. 6, 1944.
He was an educator by profession, earning a master's degree in education. He served as superintendent of schools at Encampment, Lingle and then Powell. Previous to his appointment as superintendent at Powell, he was principal at Cheyenne Central High School. He became a principal again in two Alaskan schools after leaving Powell.
He and his wife Janet retired in Fraser Lake, British Columbia, Canada, in 1987. After her death, he returned to Powell. He enjoyed golf, fishing, smoking game animals and local activism. At one time, he was a founding team member of the Denver Nuggets basketball organization. He was also a founding member of the National Edujcation Association and a fervent supporter of men's and women's athletics. He spent his later years enjoying his family and friends and smoking game/fish meats. Survivors include two sons, James R. Large (Flora Isabel) of Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico, and Timothy Large (Janet) of Powell; one daugher, Pamela A. Large of Bellingham, Wash.; two brothers, Bill Large and Jack Large (Hazel); a sister, Helen Nelson; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janet. Pastor David Hunter officiated at services and burial in Crown Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers at the funeral were Matt Elliott, Don Adams, Butch Hanson, Pam Large, Chris Large and John DeVoss. Honorary pallbearers included Lloyd Snider, Mert Rustad, Sherb Blake, Harold Robirds, Luther Sparks, Willard Large and Don Moewes. For those who wish, the family would appreciate memorials to Rocky Mountain Cancer Center, Cody and Billings. Miratsky-Easton Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Sarepta Darlene Asay - April 29
Memorial services will be conducted at 10 a.m. today at the new LDS Church for Sarepta Darlene (Seppie) Asay, 52, who died Thursday, April 29 at her Powell home.
She was born Sept. 16, 1951, in Lovell to Keith and Betty Asay. She attended grade school and high school in Powell.
For many years, she worked as a truck dispatcher.
She enjoyed spending time with her nieces and nephews. She loved being in the mountains.
Her hobbies included painting, sewing, crocheting and reading. She had a love of animals, especially her cats.
Survivors include her daughter, Yvonne Lee Kidd and husband Larry of Powell; her mother, Elizabeth Asay of Powell; her four siblings, Gary Asay (Lorna) of Powell, Doc Asay (Cathy) of Casper, Saralee Asay (Richard) of Powell and Mike Asay (Cathy) of Cody; and her nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Keith Asay, and her grandparents.
Cremation has taken place. For those who wish, the family would appreciate memorial donations to Caring for Powell Animals.