James L. “Jim” Hunnicutt, 92, passed away April 14, 2020, at Davis Hospice Center in Cheyenne.
He was born August 1, 1927 in Everett, Washington moving to Cheyenne with his family when he was three months old.
He grew up northwest of Cheyenne on the family dairy farm (Valley Dairy). Jim and his brother, Don, learned quickly the benefits and values of hard work and the beauty of the sunrise. Jim, forever, had a great love for the wide open spaces of Wyoming.
While attending Cheyenne High School during WWII, he worked as a crew caller for the UPRR. He graduated from Cheyenne High School in 1945 and served in the US Army for a short time. In 1947, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Donna Lee French, in San Francisco, CA. After moving back to Cheyenne he worked various jobs and that experience led to his success in the finance business.
He was hired by Consumer Finance. He excelled at consumer lending and was hired by the newly formed Home Town Finance to manage the Cheyenne office and to open branches in Casper and Colorado Springs. After building a successful company for others, in 1962 he decided to open his own finance company – Tel Finance. After ten successful years in consumer lending, he sold this business. He was asked by Bernie Weber to join the consumer lending division at 1st National Bank and Trust. He became the president of their branch bank on east Pershing Blvd – Wyoming State Bank. While working there, he had the “experience” of being robbed at gun point. He was robbed again at Western Bank and a third time at its branch (the bicycle robber).
In 1984 Jim was approached by out-of-state investors to open the first bank in south Cheyenne (Frontier Bank). With Jim as president, the bank became very successful and supported the needs of south Cheyenne. In 1989 he purchased Western Bank which, at that time, was a mobile home. Soon after, he built a new bank and with Jim’s experience, leadership, and support of Cheyenne, the business grew into a successful community bank. It was important to Jim that there was a friendly atmosphere for both employees and customers and an actual person always answering the phone. He valued his customers and was eager to help them start their own business or fulfill their dreams. He always said, “If you love your job, it’s not work,” and that was Jim. In 2007, at the age of 80, he sold Western Bank and retired from banking. Bob Godfrey, President of Western Bank, worked with Jim in banking for 25 years and became one of his closest and most respected friends.
Throughout the years he belonged to many civic and fraternal organizations, serving as president or board member of many. He was a Mason, Shriner (Indians), and a current member of the American Legion. Jim is a member of the First United Methodist Church and served on the Finance Board and many years as an usher.
But as one to never quit working, he was developing Sundance Ridge, high-end town homes in north Cheyenne, but was slowed down by illness. He was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in November, 2014. Family and friends admired his positive spirit during good times and during his long illness.
Jim was not all work, and spent many happy years water skiing with his family and friends, and playing tennis and golf with his buddies. He spent some winter months with Donna in Arizona.
Jim was proud of his son, Rick and daughter, Denise and his love of his family and dedication to his friends was unconditional. He will be forever missed by many.
He is survived by his wife of 73 years Donna Lee Hunnicutt; son, Rick D. (Linda) Hunnicutt of Cheyenne; daughter, Denise (Lou) Domenico of Centennial, CO; two granddaughters, Alison (Ben) Fernandez of Broomfield, CO and Nicole (Jason) Moulton of Austin, TX; and great-granddaughters, Hailey and Zoey; and one granddaughter by marriage Janice (Scott) Grauberger; and great-grandsons Cooper and Conner. Also surviving are his close brother-in-law, Ron Leon French and several beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dell C. and Grace (Farrell) Hunnicutt and a younger brother, Don “Bud” Hunnicutt of Canyon Country, CA and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
A private family gathering will be held at another time. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Jim Hunnicutt to the CRMC Foundation and designated to support Cancer Services or Davis Hospice Center in Cheyenne.
Services are entrusted to Schrader, Aragon & Jacoby Funeral Home, 2222 Russell Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.
Wayne Stewart, 76, of Pine Bluffs, passed away April 11. He was born May 22, 1943 in Denver, Colorado. Wayne worked for the telephone company for 30 years and after retirement stayed busy helping local ranchers when he could. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and was always ready with a story.
He is survived by his children, John (Kelly) Stewart and Lori (Jerry) Bowman; Five grandchildren, Tyler Bowman, Jason Bowman, Cali Stewart, Sydne Stewart and Sean Tevebaugh and one great grandchild Clayton Bowman. Wayne was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Joan, and his parents, Herbert and Evelyn Stewart.
A celebration of Wayne’s life will be determined at a later date.
Wendell Wittig, 71, passed away April 15, 2020 at the Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Cheyenne from lung cancer.
He was born June 29, 1948 in Cheyenne. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1968 and went to Vietnam. He was a combat engineer and sergeant, having served three years.
He worked for the U.S. Post Office as a mail carrier for 18 years, later driving a city bus for five years. He volunteered at the Cheyenne VA with the Veterans’ Golden Age Games, where he loved competing and won several gold and silver medals over the years for air rifle, bowling and shuffleboard.
He had a very kind, gentle heart. He made lifelong friends wherever he went. His favorite pass-time was riding his motorcycles with the local groups, church, music, football and enriching the soul and life. Wendell became a Reiki Master and practiced frequently.
Wendell loved to travel from coast to coast, Canada, Hawaii, Niagara, Germany, as well as many U.S. States. We had a lot of adventures and fun.
Wendell is survived by his loving wife, Susan of 20 years; daughter, Rainey and her three children, Ash’Lynn, Dreven, and Alex; his step-daughter, Julie; and her four children, triplets Robert, Jr., Loren, Cody and a daughter, Makala.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Viola Wittig; and his dear sister, Mary. They had a bond that couldn’t be broke.
Wendell will always be forever loved and missed
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, any donations, (to help with expenses), and condolences may be sent to 8606 Cowboy Road, Cheyenne, WY 82009.
Mary “Louise” (Bonser) Fallin, 90, died peacefully in her home in Cheyenne, on April 11, 2020. She was born to Esther (Murphy) Bonser and Charles Bonser in Kearney, NE on September 9, 1929.
Louise married Harvey L. Fallin on October 12, 1947, in Laramie, WY. They were married 58 years at the time of his death. Their life-long love and commitment to one another was an example of adoration, hard work, and devotion to all who knew them.
Louise was a treasured by all who knew her. She exemplified strength, love, loyalty, commitment, integrity and fun. She was an avid sports fan, and especially loved baseball. She could be heard cheering loudly “for the underdog”. Louise loved gardening, traveling, cooking, crossword puzzles, games and spending time with those she loved. She had a wild enthusiasm for life and fun. Her joyous laugh will forever live in the hearts of those who knew her. Her generosity, compassion and commitment made the world a better place. She was a member of the Cheyenne Garden Club for many years and the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brothers Urban, Louis, and Paul Bonser and James Marriner.
She is survived by her children, Stephanie Taylor and Ralph (Becky) Fallin; grandchildren Dusti (Matt) Moats, Dana Sirras, Tiffani Taylor and Matthew Fallin; great grandchildren Taylor Moats, Bailee Moats, John Sirras, Alexandra Sirras and Reagan Rodarte; sister Alice (Jerry) Lebcke ; Karin Moratzka and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the Davis Hospice Center of Cheyenne.
Doris Porter-Crom 94, went into the arms of Jesus, April 11, 2020 surounded by her daughters and the loving care providers of Granite Rehabilitation and Wellness.
She was born in Ft. Collins Co. to Milo B. and Isle Conley on September 19, 1925. She was the middle child of three girls. In 1941 she eloped with Robert G. Porter and together they had 6 children. They were married 22 years until Robert passed in 1963.
n 1969 she married Walter J. Crom. They were married 50 years, until his passing in July 2019.
Doris loved the great outdoors, she was an excellent hunter of large game and could out fish anyone. One of her fondest delights were wild mountain flowers. In the home she left behind a wonderful array of crocheted craftsmanship, a lifelong hobby.
She is preceded in death by her first husband Robert , sons Dale and Glen, husband Walter, his daughter Amanda, son Walter Loyd, and her parents and two sisters.
She is survived by her children Larry Porter, Shirley Swearengin, June Dunn, Mickey Thrift, and Alden Crom. 14 grand children, 23 great grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren
Cremation has taken place and internment will be private , due to the COVID-19. Her celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
Obituaries are a complimentary service of Cap City News. To submit an obit, email john@capcity.news.
