William Dan Harley: 1986 – 2023
Born in Worland, Wyoming to William Dave Harley and Tina Robinson. He grew up in Casper, Wyoming as an only child until age 8, when he became big brother to Andrew.
Dan was a bright kid, learning to read by the age of 5. Reading became a favorite hobby. He also loved hunting, camping, racing, music and spending time with his family. Dan always wanted to be a soldier. On his 18th birthday, he enlisted in the Army. He served his country from 2004 – 2007, becoming veteran of two foreign wars, in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In December of 2006, he met the love of his life, Keri Lorenz, and the two married in August of 2009. In 2011, they welcomed their son William Harley, and later, their daughter, Lia Harley in 2016.
Following his Army service, Dan attended Wyotech before eventually settling in Des Moines, Iowa as a truck driver.
He bravely battled AML from his diagnosis on New Year’s Eve until options were exhausted.
Dan was preceded in death by grandparents Bill Harley, John Robinson, Sue (Presley) Thayton; and aunt Debra (Robinson) Skeen.
He is survived by his wife Keri and children, Daamon and Lia; grandmother Retta Harley; parents Tina Whitlock (Will) and Dave Harley (Ja).
Dan is also survived by his siblings, step-siblings, large extended family and many friends. Dan will be missed.
There will be a celebration of life on June 17th at Tough Creek Campground at Boysen Reservoir.
Steven Hollis Bakker: 1965 – 2023
Steve (uncle bugger) Hollis Bakker was born (09/08/1965), raised, and passed (05/27/2023) in Casper Wyoming,
He was an amazing uncle to his nieces and nephews. He was the kind of man that would drop any and everything to help the people he loved and cared for; the kind of man that would give you the shirt off his back and the food from his plate. He could lift your spirits up instantly with his perfectly timed jokes, or simply just making fun at you.
He lived a long and adventurous life and with be greatly missed but never forgotten.
He lives on through his nieces: naya, Amanda, raelene, and his nephews: colt, Kristian, and hunter.
He is preceded in death by his mother June; his father Glenn; his sisters Pamala and Jannette; his brother Ricky; and his niece and nephew Chad and Latischa.
He didn’t want a service but he did want to be spread in California where he felt most at home.
Janice Kay Johnson: 1947 – 2023
Janice Kay Johnson, 76, of Casper, Wyoming went to Heaven on May 30, 2023.
She was born to the late John and Dimple Allen on February 4. 1947 in Casper. Janice graduated from Natrona County High School in 1965. She married the late Terry Johnson in 1995. He was the love of her life, and her life was never the same without him.
Janice loved sitting on her back porch in the summer, she loved God and the Catholic Church, photography, shopping. and dogs. She was known for her sense of humor and giving spirit.
Janice is survived by three daughters: Kathi Johnson Cragoe, Renae Vigneri (Joe), and Sheri Byrne, as well as a son, Michael Johnson (Denice); eight grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. She will be dearly missed.
Lonnie Ira Jones, Sr.: 1949 – 2023
Lonnie Ira Jones Sr., 73, of Evansville, returned to the loving arms of the Lord on Thursday, June 8th, 2023, following a brief illness.
He was born on August 7, 1949, in Kankakee, Illinois. He was the second of five children born to Mary (Rennick) Jones and Carl Ira Jones.
At the age of only 18, Lonnie enlisted in the Army and was sent to war in Vietnam. He was a member of the First Logistical Command, 64th Transportation Company. Lonnie served one tour from the fall of 1968 to the fall of 1969 and was stationed in Pleiku.
Shortly after returning from his tour of duty, he met the love of his life, Shirley Jones, on a blind date. They were married January 10, 1970, in Bourbonnais, Illinois. Lonnie and Shirley went on to have three children, Lisa in 1971, Becky in 1976, and Lonnie Jr. in 1978. Life wasn’t always easy for them, but they faced everything together as a family.
Lonnie was a hard worker who preferred to work with his hands and worked in many positions as a laborer. He worked in Illinois at John Deere and Crown, Cork & Seal, and in Arkansas at Trailers Incorporated and Ranger Boats. Shortly after moving to Wyoming, he was approved for 100% service-related disability and made Wyoming his home for the rest of his life. He enjoyed spending time hunting, fishing, and cooking on the grill.
Family was always important to Lonnie, and he became “Dad” and “Papa Jones” to many. He was always the center of trouble and shenanigans and loved sharing his instantaneous wit, colorful sense of humor, and terribly inappropriate rhymes with anyone who would listen. He was someone all the grandbabies looked up to and the source where many of them learned their first swear words. He was always proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His most frequent piece of advice, “just pray about it” will continue to be the best advice any of us could ever receive.
Lonnie is survived by his wife and soulmate of 53 years, Shirley; his daughter Lisa (Buddy) Alexander; daughter Rebecca (Phillip) Murray; brothers Russell Jones and George Jones of Wyoming; and sisters, Mary (Rick) Jackson of Illinois and Janice Neel of Arkansas. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren: Adriana Alexander, Amanda Alexander, Nathanial Gregory, Jesse Jensen, Kaici Jensen, Kyler Porter, McKenzie Jones, and Liam Jones and ten great grandchildren: Jayden, Nevaeh, Abel, Delilah, Kendrick, Nayelli, Taivyn, Echo, RoseMarie, and Mavrick.
We would be remiss if we didn’t include the “brotherhood”, Brian Jensen, Justin (Sam) Phillips, Steve (Holli) Mann, and Eric (Sarah) Kraft, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Lonnie was preceded in death by both of his parents; numerous aunts and uncles; and his cherished son, Lonnie Ira Jones Jr.
A viewing will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home from 4pm to 6pm Wednesday, June 14th. Military services will be held at Oregon Trail Veteran’s Cemetery Tuesday, June 20th at 11:00 am.
Elmer S. Parson Jr.: 1929 – 2023
Elmer Sharswood Parson, Jr. passed away peacefully on May 30, 2023, at the Gallatin Rest Home in Bozeman, Montana at the age of 93. He lived a long and fulfilling life.
Elmer was born in Denver, Colorado, on December 26, 1929, to Elmer S. Parson, Sr., and Ruth Irene (Buchanan) Parson. He was the oldest of three children. While Elmer was growing up, the family lived in Steamboat Springs, Casper, and Denver. He graduated from South Denver High School in 1948. Elmer then served in the US Army at what was then Camp Hood, Texas, for approximately one year of Basic Training and with the 2nd Armor Division. In 1950, he began college at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Elmer’s studies were interrupted when he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army Corp of Engineers in October 1952 to serve during the Korean War. After his Officers Basic Course at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Elmer served with Bravo Company, 453rd Engineer Construction Battalion stationed in the Pyeongtaek area, approximately 40 kilometers south of Seoul. He supported the construction of grain storage facilities, roads, and operation of a rock quarry.
When he returned to the US in the fall of 1953, Elmer married his college sweetheart, Mary Jean Reimer on December 27, 1953, at the United Methodist Church in Golden, Colorado. Elmer and Jeannie started their married life in Boulder while he finished college and she taught elementary school. During his studies, Elmer periodically worked at the Continental Oil Company (Conoco) refinery in Denver and preferred the graveyard shift. He graduated from the University of Colorado in the spring of 1957 with a BS in Geology.
Upon graduation, Elmer started working for Conoco as a petroleum exploration geologist. After their son Dean was born, the family moved to Houston, Texas, and then on to Jackson, Mississippi, over the course of a year for Elmer’s initial training with Conoco. In late 1958, Elmer and Jeannie felt fortunate to have the opportunity to return to the Rocky Mountain region to live in Casper. Their daughter Anne was born in Casper in 1960. Elmer and Jeannie lived in Casper for over 60 years.
Over his professional career, Elmer worked for Conoco, True Oil Company, and finally Prenalta Corporation. He was an active member of the Wyoming Petroleum Association for over 60 years and also served on the Wyoming Oil and Gas Commission.
Elmer was an active member of the Republican party. Over his years in Casper, he served in multiple positions with the Natrona County and State of Wyoming Republican Committees. Elmer had the honor of being a Wyoming delegate to the 1972 Republican National Convention. As he loved to tell people, “I am a political junky.”
Elmer was an active supporter of his kids’ activities serving on several booster clubs and boards, particularly baseball. He and Jeannie, skiers since their college days, ensured their kids learned to ski at a young age. The family were regular skiers at Hogadon Ski Area on Casper Mountain and enjoyed many ski trips to Colorado. Elmer always wanted to make sure the family was at the top of the mountain for the final run of the day as the lifts were shut down.
The family enjoyed many trips to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in Wyoming and around the United States. He was an avid geyser watcher when visiting Yellowstone. He loved talking to rangers while waiting for geysers to erupt and then moved off to watch the next one. Elmer delighted in his grandchildren and enjoyed many visits to see them in their activities and talk to them about what they were doing. He was very proud of the flourishing adults they have all become.
He and Jeannie were avid travelers and enjoyed visiting many areas of the US and other countries. They took many trips to Europe and the Caribbean as well as trips to East Asia and New Zealand. They often took driving trips with Jeannie as the navigator and Elmer as the driver on narrow winding roads and numerous roundabouts.
Elmer loved being an avid supporter of the Casper College athletic program, especially the women’s volleyball and basketball programs. Elmer and Jeannie particularly enjoyed being host parents and friends to many young women who were living away from home for the first time, some from the United States and others from foreign countries. Though athletics brought them together, Elmer was passionate about promoting and supporting their academic studies. He wanted them to learn and graduate with their degrees. Many of these women remained dear close friends with him over the years.
Elmer enjoyed being an amateur HAM radio enthusiast, talking with friends and people from around the world. He was also a private pilot, eventually earning his instrument rating. He was well known for his 5 AM workout sessions at the Sunrise shopping center gym. Elmer and Jeannie were long-time member of the First United Methodist Church in Casper. Upon retirement Elmer became a child advocate for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Natrona County.
In early 2018, Elmer suffered a stroke. Following his rehabilitation, he moved from Casper to Bozeman, Montana, where he was closer to Dean, who helped care for him. Over the 5 years in Bozeman, Elmer lived at the Gallatin Rest Home where he continued to do physical training 3 days a week, walked the halls with Dean, and enjoyed countless visits from friends and family who came to Bozeman specifically to see him. Other folks stopped in for a visit on their travels through Bozeman.
Elmer did lots of video calls with his family and many friends in Casper, across the US, and around the world. During the COVID pandemic, when Dean was unable to enter the nursing home facility, he improvised video calls for Elmer while holding the computer or tablet up to the outside window so people could see and talk with him. While visiting Bozeman, Elmer’s grandchildren and former Casper College friends would take him to play bingo, go senior bowling in wheelchairs, singing, or into the courtyard for a little sunshine tanning therapy.
Elmer was predeceased by his parents; his wife Mary Jean; and sister Susan Buchanan (Parson) Stewart.
He is survived by his sister Jane Ann (Parson) Matthews of Tucson, Arizona; son Dean (Franki) Parson of Bozeman, Montana; daughter Anne (Sten) Wallin of Midland, Michigan; grandchildren Hillary (Brad) Johns-Parson, Alec Parson, Marissa Wallin (Justin Rose), Lars Wallin; great grandchild Nash Johns-Parson; and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Elmer’s life will be held at First United Methodist Church in Casper, Wyoming on Monday, June 26, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorials to CASA of Natrona County, the Casper College Athletic Scholarship program, First United Methodist Church, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
James Alan “Jim” Richardson: 1944 – 2023
James Alan Richardson, known as Jim to some, “Doc” to others, passed peacefully on May 26th, 2023. Jim was born on May 24, 1944, in Sheridan, Wyoming, to Doris and Alan Richardson.
His early years were spent working on his grandfather’s ranch and for the US Forest service. Jim received his Doctorate of Optometry degree from Indiana University in 1970. He practiced optometry in Colorado Springs and Casper for 45 years. He loved his patients and his profession.
In Indiana, Jim met Hattie Overmyer and she became his best friend and life-long companion. The two of them adventured back to the Rocky Mountain West where they settled in Colorado Springs, built a home and a family that included three rambunctious kids and several good hunting dogs.
Jim’s passion for life was contagious! Every stranger was a friend and no person was left out at the Thanksgiving or Christmas table. Jim and Hattie were avid skiers, sailors and outdoor enthusiasts. Jim loved camping, fishing, hunting, cycling and supporting conservation efforts.
In 1993, Jim and Hattie moved up to Casper, Wyoming. Grandchildren came soon after and nothing brought more joy to Jim than spending time with them. He especially loved teaching them to fish, hunt and sail.
Jim continued to spread his warmth and love through the community, made many friends and impacted the lives of many people. He was often sighted at the Casper Boat Club, fishing the Platte and serving others through the Rescue Mission and the Link at Casper Youth for Christ. Jim walked as a beloved son of Jesus and shone His light everywhere he went. He was quick to laugh and was always on the go.
Jim is survived by his wife Hattie; children Kristen (Chip), Marcus (Ashley), Summer (Jason); and grandchildren Asher, Lorien (Justin), Emma (Murali), Lily, Penny, Kelly and Clara.
A Memorial service will be held on June 19, 2023, at Boyd Avenue Baptist Church at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Central Wyoming Hospice.
Betty Jewell Thompson: 1924 – 2023
Betty Thompson was born in Chattanooga Tennessee in 1924.
Her parents, Dorothy and William, along with older brother Bill, lived there until her father’s death when she was only 2 years old. Soon they moved to Florida and that is where Betty grew up. She had a wonderful childhood swimming in the lake with alligators and playing with all of her cousins. She graduated from high school in 1942 where she played many sports and worked at the telephone company and fixing propellers in WWII. She loved dancing, and would go to the USO dances in Wintergarden, Florida. There, she met a young 18-year-old Army Sgt Serviceman Fred Thompson.
Fred was the love of her life. They were married for 62 years. Within 3 weeks of their meeting and marriage (December 10, 1942), Fred shipped off to Europe and Africa for 2 ½ years. When Fred returned to the states, battered, but whole, they decided to move to Wyoming. Fred was a true western fellow and Betty grew to love it as well. Fred called her sweetpea .
Together, they raised three kids, Tommy, Linda and Susie in Casper, Wyoming. Those were some of Betty’s most favorite of times. Hunting, fishing, Las Vegas Archer, Shrine Club, Elks club, Casper water ski club, bowling, boating and arrowhead hunting occupied many years of her life. She had so many great friends and adventures. Their lives were complete. Betty and Fred moved to Las Vegas for 9 years while Wyoming was in one of its down turns. The kids went to school and son, Tommy enlisted in the army.
In Las Vegas, Linda married and so did Susie. One thing was for sure, Betty loved her grandkids and great grandkids. She not only made so many things for them that they treasure now, but also loved being involved in all they did. There was nobody like granny in their eyes. So before long, Betty and Fred moved back to Casper where they continued their life; Summers in Wyoming and Winters in Yuma, Arizona. After Fred passed away, she moved back to Las Vegas in a retirement community where Susie lived.
For a short time Betty married Bill Waight, and they enjoyed being together and then he passed as well. Betty then moved to Kansas City to be with Linda and family. She became ill while there, she got better but the sickness was continuing and was overpowering her. She came to visit Susie and family in Las Vegas for Christmas and to go spend her last Christmas with some of her large family. It was great time and we are very thankful for it. Betty decided to stay in Las Vegas and became very ill and soon after, passed.
She was blessed by her husband, children, and their families.
Betty is survived by her daughters; Linda J Baker (Gary Senner) of Kansas City, and Susan (Gino Cerullo) of Las Vegas; grandsons Robert Ritter of Texas, Terry Musser of West Jordan, UT, Michael Baker of Kansas City, Anthony G Cerullo (Sherri) of Scottsdale, Arizona, Adam (Lisa) of Greeley, Colorado, Joshua A Thompson, Leslie Thompson. She is also survived by great-grandchildren, Dylan Thompson, Aiden and Ashlinn Cerullo, Makena Cerullo, Chris and Andre Colin, Robert Ritter Jr., Aaron Ritter, Seth Ritter, Matthew Ritter, Hannah Ritter, Brittney Ritter, Colin and Katelin Senner, Brittney and Anna Donelan, Sophia and Stella Jay, and Lincoln Woods.
There are also several great-great-grandchildren.There is a memorial service scheduled for 11:00 am, June 26, 2023, at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Evansville, Wyoming.
Tyler James Uhrich: 2000 – 2023
Tyler James Uhrich passed away at the age of 22 on June 3, 2023. He was a loving man with a beautiful soul and heart who loved deeply. Tyler loved to hunt, work on trucks, spend time with friends riding his motorcycle, dirt bikes and snowmobiles and spend time with his dogs. Tyler lived life fast and furious and rarely slowed down.
He leaves behind a mother; father; brother and sister-in-law, Lisa, Terry, Adam and Alexis, who love and miss him more than words can express; as well as a beautiful daughter, Karter LeeAnn, and her mother, Antionette Wolfe; grandfathers Adam Uhrich and Daniel Dean; grandmother Maureen Vincent; uncles and aunts Cary and Roxanne Uhrich and Jeri Uhrich and Ruby Amatruda, Patrick and Lisa Blair, Kevin Blair and Cathy Atkins; nephews Landon and Wyatt Uhrich; and cousins Ethan, Hadley and Isaac Uhrich.
He was preceded in death by his grandmothers Linda Jo (Sutter) Uhrich and Cynthia Keith Tennant-Dean, and his grandfather James Vincent.
Tyler graduated from Natrona County High School in 2018 and went to work in the oil field. He had other occupations throughout his young life, but the oil field was his career passion. Tyler loved to hunt, did not matter what he hunted whether it was pheasants with his best dog Sheri, elk, deer or antelope. He spent many great trips hunting for elk and deer with his father, brother and grandfather in Lander and in the Shirley Mountains. He loved riding his dirt bikes and four-wheelers and camping in the Shirleys. He enjoyed spending time with family in the mountains and fishing at Pathfinder and Glendo.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations being made to the Tyler J. Uhrich Memorial Fund to benefit his daughter, Karter LeeAnn, at the following link:
Betty Ann Wanbaugh: 1936 – 2023
Betty Ann Wanbaugh, born in Wray, Colorado November 11, 1936 (85 years old).
She passed away in the early morning of October 12, 2022 with family by her side.
From a large family, of nine children, Betty was born to Charlie and Alice Houston. She helped care for the younger children; living on a farm, she helped with milking cows, feeding chickens, gathering eggs and tending the garden.
Betty attended a country school, riding a horse with her older and younger brother. Later, when the family moved closer to town, she graduated from Wray High School in 1954. The family moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1956 for Betty’s father’s work. Betty then began working at J.C. Penny, where she met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Wanbaugh. They were married June 16, 1956. They were blessed with two children, Lisa and Michael.
Bob and Betty moved to Gillette and then Douglas where they raised their family. They later retired in Casper, Wyoming.
Betty was an excellent seamstress, gardener, cook, and was always there to help others. She worked at the Clerk of District Court of Converse County for over 15 years. They built a large edition on their Douglas home with the help of family and friends. Bob and Betty were very active in the Methodist Church. Betty kept busy by helping at the First Methodist Thrift Store and was well known for her homemade pies, which she made with the United Methodist Women in Douglas.
Later in retirement, Bob and Betty had a cabin built in the Bighorn Mountains where many family memories were made. Betty and Bob were very dedicated to their family; in fact all the children and grandchildren enjoyed going to their home for family suppers and get-togethers. They enjoyed camping, going on daily walks together with their family dog, and helping with organizations to benefit others.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and six of her siblings: Ethyl, Earl, and Ronald, and 3 infant children.
Betty is survived by her son, Michael (Jacki) Wanbaugh of Casper, Wyoming; Lisa (Terry) Case of Grantsville, Utah; grandchildren; Krista (Jordan) Walton of Gillette, Wyoming; Andrew Wanbaugh of Denver, Colorado; Katie Wanbaugh of Mesa, Arizona; CJ (Emily) Wheeler of Eldridge, Iowa; Chlorissa (Matt) Goddard of Toole Utah, Keith Wheeler of Grantsville, Utah; and many great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by her sisters; Avis (Dave) Acton of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Cheryl Houston of Aurora, Colorado; as well as many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Betty was a wonderful woman, loved by many who cared for her.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the:
Alzheimer’s Association
325 N. Michigan Ave., fl17
Chicago, Illinois 60601-7633