Cloudy and Windy, 58° F
(March 4, 1928 - June 23, 2012)
Byron Kenneth Rood died Saturday, June 23, 2012, surrounded by his loving family. He was 84.
Byron was born March 4, 1928 in Jireh, Wyo., to Kenneth and Lucyle (Hoyt) Rood. He lived in Jireh until he was 6 years old, and then moved to Lance Creek, Wyo. There he attended grade school and junior high, where his mother was the teacher in the one-room school. He attended high school in Manville.
In high school, he met a beautiful girl, Lorraine Groves, and they became high school sweethearts. They married on Dec. 7, 1946 in Lusk. They had six children.
At the age of 15, he started driving truck for Gorman Well Services, working in the oil fields. He moved to Powell in 1947. The next 42 years of his life were spent in the oil business, many of those years working for L.L. Smith Trucking. In 1965 he started his own business, H&R Trucking, and later J&R Well Service. He retired in 1985.
After retirement, Barney and Lorraine enjoyed many adventures in their motor homes and their boat. They made several trips to Alaska and Mexico in pursuit of the big fish. Later, they spent their winters in Arizona.
Enjoying time outdoors, fishing and hunting were some of his favorite pastimes, along with watching birds and spending time with his horses and dog.
Barney was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather. His sense of humor, teasing and great smile will be missed.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother.
Barney is survived by his loving and caring wife of 66 years, Lorraine Rood; four daughters, Donna (Calvin) Jones of Worland, Gail (Dennis) Bonawitz of Kalispell, Mont., Diane (Herb) Pittman of Powell, Carol (Steve) Zawacki of Powell; two sons, Darrell (Karolyn) Rood of Powell and Brad Rood of Powell; 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; one brother, Gary (Pat) Rood of Roseberg, Ore., and in-laws, Allen and Lavonne Gunderson of Billings and Eugene Johnson and Jean Misfeldt of Great Falls, Mont.
Memorial donations may be sent to Dano Youth Camp, P.O. Box 2221, Cody WY, 82414 or the charity of your choice. Cremation has taken place, and private family services will be held per Barney’s request.
Thompson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family at www.thompsonfuneral.net or P.O. Box 807, Powell, WY 82435.
