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Obituaries: Warr; Korber; Martinez

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Joseph B. Warr

Joseph B. Warr: 1934 – 2025

Joseph Bennion Warr was born on Mother’s Day, May 9, 1934 in the family home in Beaver, Utah to Morrell and Phylis Swindlehurst Warr. He was welcomed by his siblings, Newell and Mary. His father worked for the Brooklawn Creamery as manager who reopened the old Shepherd Creamery in Beaver. Years working with his dad at the Creamery and on their small dairy farm instilled in him a love for dairy work. 

Joe loved hunting, fishing, and driving the farm truck as soon as he was old enough to reach the pedals. His family was very close-knit, and he cherished the memories of grandparents, parents, siblings, uncles, aunts and cousins. He loved and appreciated their teaching him through precept and example. At Beaver High, Joe was active in band, school plays, and the FFA. He served as President of the FFA his senior year and won the state competition, all while dating every girl in his Beaver High graduating class. 

At Utah State University, Joe majored in Dairy Production. After two years at USU he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Central States Mission, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. After his mission, he returned to USU where he was involved in the ROTC, the Utah National Guard, business classes, and being a clerk at the Mitchell Motel. When he was offered a job with Meadow Gold Dairies in Salt Lake City, he accepted the opportunity because it gave him the income he needed to ask his sweetheart to marry him. He married Margaret Ann Larsen July 27, 1960 in the Logan, Utah Temple. 

Shortly after his employment, he was asked to go to Casper, Wyoming to close the books for the Casper Plant. He was then offered the job to be the manager of this plant. He and Margaret decided to accept the offer. During their ten years with Meadow Gold, they added four children to their family: Lauralea (Tim) Moline, Steven Joseph (Jet), Scott Larsen (Donna) and RuthAnn (Ross) Olsen. Joe also had a side business selling campers. He served as a Branch President and Bishop of the Church of Jesus Church of Latter-Day Saints’ Casper 3rd Ward . He also served as Stake President of the Church’s Casper Stake from 1972 to 1982. In 1982 he was ordained as the Stake Patriarch. He served in this position until 2021

Throughout the years of employment and growing children, Joe enjoyed fishing, water skiing, and camping at Alcova Lake. In the winter months, the family enjoyed skiing in various locations in Wyoming, Colorado and Utah. For several years, the family has gathered at the lake for reunions and the annual Rook Tournament. It could be said that Joe never knew a stranger and had friends everywhere. It was always “Pleasure to make your acquaintance, I’m sure”. He amazed us when he found “Beaver friends” in all the places he traveled. 

In the 1970’s, the Meadow Gold plant relocated to the east. Joe then accepted a position with Natrona County School District as purchasing agent. Joe managed food services, the bus garage, laundry, and printing services during his 32 years there. He loved being a bus driver after retirement. 

In 1979, Margaret was struck with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia for which there was no known treatment or cure. Joe’s hardest task, to this point, was saying good-bye to his beloved wife of twenty-one years on November 1, 1981.

On October 9, 1982 he married Janice Ryser in the Logan Temple. In their 42 years of marriage, they added two sons: Mark (Jessica) and Matthew (Cassidy). They saw all six children married. They then welcomed 20 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren (there are more on the way) to the Warr Department. Together, they served as Temple Preparation and Church History teachers. They were also couple service-missionaries at Martin’s Cove for nine years. 

Joe will be remembered as first, a dedicated family man and grandpa; second, an outstanding disciple of Christ, and third, as a diligent employee! He will be missed and never forgotten by all who knew him. Joseph Bennion Warr was our true example.

Joe Warr is survived by his wife, Janice; and his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren: Lauralea (Tim), Maurie (Brittany), Mckay (Adrian), Desmond, Calvin, Tanner, McKenzie (Jason), Calloway, Saryn (Matthew), Junior, Beau, Steven (Jet), Chaise (Taylor), Rickie, Scott (Donna), Allison (Jordan), Charlie, J.J., Samuel (Megan), Ryan, RuthAnn (Ross), Todd (Kasey), Reyla, Joey (Emily), Maggie (Austin), Abby (David), Mark (Jessica), Nathan, Kaelyn, Logan, Matthew (Cassidy), Adelaide, Ryser, Ellis; and several nieces and nephews. 

A funeral service will be held at 2627 E 7th St on January 24 at 10 a.m. A viewing will be held at 9 a.m. For those that are physically unable to attend the funeral, it will be broadcasted through Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/91630673410.


Michael William Korber: 1957 – 2025

Michael William Korber, born on December 9, 1957, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, passed away on January 15, 2025, in his hometown. A dedicated member of his community, Mike served the State of Wyoming Public Service Commission for 25 years and was also a business owner and tax preparer for several years.

An alumnus of the University of Wyoming, Mike was a man with a wealth of knowledge, particularly in the world of sports. His passion for athletics was matched only by his selflessness, as he dedicated many years to coaching youth baseball in Cheyenne. This commitment to nurturing young talent was a hallmark of his character, and it showcased his dedication to helping others succeed. Those fortunate enough to know him remember a man who was always willing to lend a hand and provide support.

Mike treasured the moments spent with his family, creating lasting memories that they will forever cherish. He was a passionate sports fan, deeply invested in teams such as the University of Wyoming Cowboys, the Boston Red Sox, and local favorites like the Colorado Rockies, Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, and Colorado Avalanche. Attending live sporting events with his family brought him immense joy, and these occasions will be joyfully remembered by those who shared them with him.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mike’s community involvement extended beyond coaching; he served many years on the Board of the Cheyenne Junior League, further demonstrating his commitment to local youth and families. As a tax preparer, he went above and beyond for his clients, and will be particularly remembered for his late night phone calls to them with ideas on how they can save, and what steps they will need to take. He was exceptional at what he did, and he did it with the utmost integrity. 

Michael is survived by his daughter, Kelsey Korber and son-in-law, CJ Williams; son. Bryant Korber; and grandchildren: Treyson, Kyren, and Kinleigh. He is also remembered by his brother, Rob Korber and sister, Mary Mason. Preceding him in death were his parents, William B. Korber and Evelyn F. Korber.

A prayer service will be held in honor of Mike on January 23, 2025, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Mike Korber will forever hold a special place in the hearts of his family and friends. His legacy of love, support, and commitment to community will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Family and Friends who would like to donate in Mike’s honor can contribute to Cheyenne Junior League, VFW, or the University of Wyoming Athletic Department.


Samuel Gene Martinez: 1945 – 2025

Samuel Gene Martinez, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, passed away in Cheyenne, Wyoming on January 16, 2025, at the age of 79. Born on April 26, 1945, in Cheyenne, Samuel lived a life defined by hard work, dedication, love for his family.

A proud veteran, Samuel served four years in the United States Navy from 1964 to 1968, with honorable deployments in Alaska, Guam, Japan, and Hawaii. Following his military service, he embarked on a distinguished career as a lineman, entering the line trade in 1968 and working diligently until his retirement in 2005. He started his career as a groundman and ultimately retired as a working foreman, earning the respect of colleagues and those in the industry through his steadfast commitment and expertise.

Samuel cherished the moments spent with his loved ones and took great pleasure in simple joys, including sharing cups of coffee with his brother Johnny. His passions extended beyond his professional life, as he dedicated himself to family gatherings and creating lasting memories.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Olivia Martinez; son, Cory Martinez and his wife, Anissa; daughter, Celina Dausman and her husband, Bill; and grandchildren: Kayla and her fiancé Zack, Cierra and her partner Spencer, Nate, Noah, Jared, and Jordan. Samuel also found immense joy in being a great-grandfather to Julian, Kinsley, Adley, Bennett, Maverick, and June.

Samuel is further survived by his brothers: John Lucero and his wife, Missy, Gerry Martinez and his wife, Beth, and Leroy Martinez and his wife, Diane; as well as his sisters: Virginia Brinkerhoff and her husband, Steve, Rose Salas and her husband, Dickie, and Lori Miller and her husband, Dan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George Martinez Sr. and Maria Martinez; his brother, George Martinez Jr.; his sister, Emalinda Miller; and his beloved nieces, Rena Spratte and Julie Miller, along with nephew, Roger Miller.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Samuel’s life with a Rosary service on January 23, 2025, at 6 p.m. and a Mass on January 24, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., both held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 603 House Avenue, Cheyenne, WY. Samuel will be laid to rest at Cheyenne Memorial Gardens immediately following Mass.

Samuel Gene Martinez will be remembered for his unwavering strength, his role as a family anchor, and the love he nurtured within his family. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.


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