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Obituaries: Chapin; Conroy; Mercer; Neal; Sailors; Wilhelm

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William Jason Chapin

William Jason Chapin: 1981 – 2024

William Jason Chapin, a beloved veteran, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away in Cheyenne on November 23, 2024.

Jason, originally from Virginia, served his country as a member of the United States Air Force for 20 years, both on active duty and in the Wyoming Air National Guard. In addition to his military service, he dedicated his life to serving others as a law enforcement officer for 15 years with the Cheyenne Police Department. His commitment to his country and his community will forever be remembered.

He is survived by his three cherished children:  Brinley, Kaitryn, and Gunnar; his mother, Joyce Chapin and father, Thomas Morris; his siblings: Jennifer, Johnny, Alex, and Kelsey; and his nieces and nephews, who brought him great joy. Jason will be deeply missed by his family members and friends who were touched by his kindness, courage, and generosity.

A private service will be held to honor his memory in March 2025. May he rest in peace, knowing he was loved and will never be forgotten.


Myrtle Grindle Conroy: 1936 – 2024

Myrtle G Conroy, 88, of Cheyenne, passed away on December 4, 2024. She was born April 5, 1936, in Cheyenne, Wyoming to Frank and Myrtle Brain. 

Myrtle worked for the School District as a cook, for Alpine Designs as a seamstress and for Mountain Bell as a Directory Assistance Operator and Clerk. She was a member and past Matron of Eastern Star Oak Leaf Chapter #6. 

She is survived by her children: Deb (Jim) Thomas, Jacque (Tim) Miller, Cristy (Randy) Bigelow, Kim (Greg) Gonzales, Tom (Becky) Conroy, Scott (Deann) Conroy and Rebecka (Jon) Richard. She left eighteen grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. 

Myrtle was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, John “Jack” Conroy; and her sons, Mike and Kelly Conroy. 

A celebration of life is pending at this time.


Dennis Ivan Mercer: 1942 – 2024

Dennis I. Mercer passed away peacefully at Davis Hospice Center on December 10, 2024, at the age of 82. Dennis was born December 7, 1942, in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming to Doris and Marie (Greenan) Mercer. Dennis married his high school sweetheart, Vida Haines on January 27, 1962.

Dennis retired from US West Telephone Company after 30 years of service. He was affectionately known to many as “DI.” The combination of his signature handlebar mustache and good-natured personality made him a beloved figure, winning him many friends in the community.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Vida; children: Mark (Terri), Lisa Trusty (Billy), and Paula O’Hare (Patrick Schott); grandchildren: Jeremy Baker, Kate Mercer, Meghan Dahill, Kasie Trusty, Patrick O’Hare, Lauren O’Hare; four great grandchildren; as well as sister, Corinne Keogh (Gary) and brother, Gary (Diane).

He is preceded in death by his parents, Doris and Marie Mercer and stepmother, Elva Mercer; his sisters MaryLynne Wilhelm, Sharon Kittleson, Maureen Hape; and his brother, Dr. Thomas Mercer.

A funeral mass will be held Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church at 10 a.m. Interment will take place later that day at the Pine Bluffs, Wyoming cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Food Pantry, 206 Van Lennen Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82007, or to a charity of your choice.


Michael F. Neal: 1956 – 2024

Mike was born August 7, 1956 in Laramie, Wyoming to Melvin and Joann Neal. He went home to our lord on December 6, 2024. He was a vibrant and kind soul who touched everyone he ever met. In his early years he attended schools with his sister Cindy in Laramie and Cheyenne, and later attended Woods School in Casper where he learned precious life skills which helped him maintain his independence throughout his life. 

When he was 19, he moved to Jackson, Wyoming and made many friends. He enjoyed working at the Jackson Hole Playhouse Theatre and volunteering with many local events. He loved to work and help out. He loved country music and liked to be called Conway, after Conway Twitty. In his later years, he moved to Cheyenne to be near family.

He is survived by his sister, Cindy Lange of Colorado Springs; his Uncle Gordon (Alice) Jones and cousin, Margaret and husband, Gary of Lewisville, North Carolina; his “Other Mother” (stepmom) Connie Neal; his half brother, Eric (Michelle) Neal of Arizona; his Aunt Connie Neal; cousins, Ray (Donielle)Neal and Shawna Davis all of Cheyenne; and Leslie (Perry) Zynda of Ft. Collins; and numerous nieces and nephews; and his stepsister, Lorrie (Tom) Baker of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

He was preceded in death by his father, Melvin Neal of Cheyenne; his mother, Joann Clay of Colorado Springs; his sister, Carolyn Moore of Casper; his stepfather, Ed Pollock; stepsister, Linda Purdy; and his uncle, Bob Neal, of Cheyenne. 

Special thanks go to his caregivers Herlyna and Hotman who took him on many trips and outings in recent years which he really enjoyed. Also a special thanks to Kristen Taylor, his case manager. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to an autism advocacy group of your choice, such as Autism Speaks.

He will be dearly missed by so many who loved him and were truly blessed to have had him in their lives. He was truly an angel on this earth and now an angel with God and those who have gone before him. May he rest in everlasting peace.


Richard Sailors: 1955 – 2024

Richard Sailors, born on December 6, 1955, in Hastings, Nebraska, passed away on December 3, 2024, in Cheyenne, Wyoming — days away from his 69th birthday.

Richard spent his early years in Hastings, where he cultivated a deep appreciation for the outdoors and the simple pleasures of life including hunting.

He built lasting friendships and connections that spanned decades, each relationship reflecting his profound ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His laughter and wisdom will be deeply missed by those who had the privilege to know him.

While Richard is no longer with us, his legacy will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to share in his journey. He leaves behind those that will forever hold his memory close to their hearts.


Esther A. Wilhelm: 1925 – 2024

Esther A. Wilhelm, 99, formerly of Cheyenne, died on December 10, 2024 in Wichita, Kansas.  

She was born on April 12, 1925 in Denver, Colorado.

Mrs. Wilhelm was a full-time pastor’s wife, loving wife and mother, hospitable friend, and quilter. 

She is survived by son, Ted and Glenda Wilhelm; and her daughter, Yvonne and David Adamson;  her grandchildren: Natasha Wilhelm, Alisha and Brandon Eastin; and her great-grandchildren, Phen and Ben. 

She was preceded in death by husband, Rev.Elmer T. Wilhelm, on January 9, 2017.

Services will be Saturday, 2 p.m., at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel.


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