Derek Meriwether: 1984 – 2024
On Friday March 8, in the early morning hours, Derek Meriwether — loving son, brother, husband, and friend — passed away in his sleep at home.
Derek was born February 26, 1984, in Brush, Colorado to Sara and Elvis Meriwether. Derek spent most of his childhood and teen years in Rangely, Colorado. Derek loved getting into trouble with his younger brothers and jumping off the cliffs in Rangely. When younger, Derek would bring home small wildlife for his mama’s house plants. There was never a dull moment when Derek was around and he could light up a room anytime he walked in.
Derek was an all-around concrete specialist, rebar specialist, rig hand, jack of all trades. He was good at everything he tried and never gave up until the job was done. Derek loved to draw and played around with one of his biggest dreams tattooing. Derek loved being around kids, especially his own. Derek was our big goofy kid, and he was our Bubba. Derek gave the best hugs that could take away any and all stress, sadness, anger, and pain. Derek had such a big heart he never passed judgment on any person. He loved to have water fights with the kids and to take walks rock hunting. Derek was and is a great man who will be forever missed and forever loved.
Derek is preceded in death by his grandparents, Dale and Norma Rathbun, and Elmer and Maggie Meriwether. Derek is survived by his parents, Sara and Elvis Meriwether; aunts and uncle on his mother’s side; an uncle on his father’s side; brothers, Joshua and Timothy; sister, Kristina; five children: Kandice, Kadince, Derek Jr, Zailee, and baby Azairiah; many cousins; and nieces and nephews.
Philip Russell Rumpel: 1938 – 2024
Philip Russell Rumpel, 85 and just 8 days away of his 86th birthday, of Cheyenne, passed away at his home in Cheyenne, Wyoming, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on March 16, 1938, in WaKeeney, Kansas to Philip Arthur and Rosa Carolina Rumpel.
Philip was a dedicated Range Staff Specialist with the Bureau of Land Management from May 31, 1960 until his retirement on January 3, 1996. As a part of his passion for range management, he became a lifetime member of the Society of Range Management and served on the board.
After his retirement, he began volunteer work at various libraries and received his certification in book repair, which he enthusiastically shared with others.
He had many hobbies which included, traveling in the United States and internationally, fishing, wood working, reading and BBQing on his Traeger grill. His other interests included quilting, pottery making, archery, astronomy and history. He also experienced great joy in creating and collecting new friends all over the globe. Each year he would drive from Cheyenne to Alaska, towing his bedroom with him in his little Burro trailer, to go salmon fishing and spend time with numerous friends.
Philip is survived by his brother, Alan Rumpel of Goodland, Kansas; children: Tamara Kay Rumpel of Port Townsend, Washington, Linda Rena Rumpel Salinas (David) of Utica, Kansas and Dwayne Paul Rumpel (Amber) of Parma, Idaho; grandchildren: Candace Everhart Fortino, Kaily Galligar, Jadon and Kaleb Rumpel.
Philip was preceded in death by his father and mother, Philip Arthur and Rosa Carolina Rumpel; and brothers, Sydney Rumpel and Max Rumpel.
No funeral services will be held. A celebration of Philip’s life among his family and friends will be held at a later date.
