Billi Jo Duty: 1982 – 2026
Born in Lander, Wyoming. Billi played soccer and basketball through high school and eventually passed down her passion and love for sports to her children.
In January of 2002, Billi welcomed her first child, Madison; being a mom became her new personality and she enjoyed every moment. Through the years to follow. Billi welcomed her other children: Mason, and Brooklyn. In 2005 Billi met her forever, Jeremy Duty. They surrounded themselves with family and close friends and eventually tied the knot in July of 2010.
Billi and her family then moved from Riverton, Wyoming to Coeur D’ Alene, Idaho where Billi enjoyed spending time with her close friends, hosting events, going out on the family boat and so much more. In 2014 Billi and Jeremy welcomed their last child, Peyton. Billi was a ray of sunshine and was always there for anyone. She had a smile that would light up any room she walked into as well as the most contagious laugh. She was the definition of the type of person who was always so giving and would give the shirt off her back to anyone, including people she didn’t know.
Billi’s last wish was to give people the gift of life through organ donation. With that, she was able to save four different lives. She is remembered for her beautiful smile, contagious laugh, loudest of loving hearts.
She is survived by her parents, Denny Nickelson, Cheri and Clayton Vanvleet; her four sisters: Angel, Viki, Candi, Kristi; her husband, Jeremy Duty; her four children: Madison, Mason, Brooklyn and Peyton. Billi also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, as well as multiple cousins and extended family.
She is preceded in death by her brother-in-law, William Duty; great-grandparents; grandparents; and two great-nephews, Jordan and Carson. Billi leaves behind a legacy of “love life like Billi Jo,” for all her family and friends because, if she wanted anything, she wanted nothing more than for people to always be kind, love loudly and always wear your flip flops!
David “Dave” H. Donaldson: 1936 – 2026
David “Dave” H. Donaldson, 89, of Casper, Wyoming, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026. He was born on May 26, 1936, in Sundance, Wyoming, to Glenn Otis and Ida Mae (McClelland) Donaldson. Dave had two older siblings, Reuben Otis and Glenneta May. After his mother passed away in 1942, the family moved to Casper, where Dave received his education and graduated from Natrona County High School in 1954.
He married Mary Ellen Hunt on January 19, 1963. Together they raised three children: Glenn Scott, Douglas Lee, and Novella Margaret.
Dave served on active duty in the Air National Guard from July 1955 to September 1957 and received an honorable discharge.
He worked in the automotive and industrial supply industry in sales and management, retiring in 2000 while employed at E&H Industrial Supply in Casper. He then spent several years driving hot-shot deliveries to oil fields and mines, hauling for road and construction projects, and pursuing other driving opportunities. One of his favorite part-time jobs was working for Ramshorn Construction.
On April 8, 1963, Dave and Mary Ellen came to know their lord and savior, Jesus Christ, through the loving ministry of Pastor John Weidenaur. Dave was an active member of Boyd Avenue Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a deacon. While attending a V-Group and Sunday school class, he met Linda Russell. By the grace of God, they fell in love and were married on October 19, 2002. After their marriage, they hosted a V-Group in their home.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ellen, in 2001; his son, Douglas Lee, in 2017; his sister, Glenneta May Baxter, in 2020; his brother, Reuben Otis Donaldson, in 2023; and his step-great-granddaughter, Koryn Marie White, in 1991.
He is survived by his wife, Linda; his son, Glenn (Kathy); his daughter, Novella (Paul); three grandchildren, Gavin, Asher (Allie), and Chris (Bri); and two great-granddaughters, Bailey and Lainey. He is also survived by two stepdaughters, Christina (Ryan) Stepp and Jodie (Matthew) Mosteller, whom he loved as his own; 11 step-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; and his loving and loyal dog, Loki, who brought him great joy.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Boyd Avenue Baptist Church. Pastors Quin Williams and Ed Tharp will officiate. Honorary pallbearers will be Glenn Donaldson, Chris Donaldson, Gavin Marvel, Asher Marvel, Frank Cross, Don Russell, and Lavere Russell.
Donations in Dave’s memory may be made to Boyd Ave. Baptist Church Building Fund, 1930 Boyd Ave. Casper, WY 82604 or online at https://www.boydavenuebaptist.org/donate or to Linda Donaldson, 3841 E. 15th St. Apt. 110, Casper, WY 82609.
April “Hecate” Johnson: 1966 – 2026
April passed away February 26, 2026 at Wyoming Medical Center due to metastatic breast cancer at age 59. She was born the last of ten children to Robert and Alvina (Racca) Smith on April 7, 1966 in Lake Charles, Louisiana and named by the parish priest. She attended McNeese State University where she’d played volleyball. Many years later she’d meet Richard who played football for the University of Southern California. Once together, they married in 2009 in Colorado, whiteness by their two dogs. They would then move to Wyoming, where she spent 15 years working as a supervisor. She spent many years before then working in the food service industry, in and running restaurants, doing construction, and managing hotels.
She enjoyed the outdoors, takings walks with her husband and dog, sunny days at the park, bread and potatoes, a good sale, weekend adventures, the old gods, and anything fantasy. She enjoyed live action and living history; she and Richard spent many a time participating in such events together. Her true passion was writing, she wrote and self published a book with a friend titled: Sisters, a Journey of Houses Book I. The inspiration for the book came from her favorite video game World Of Warcraft.
April was born in a time when women were not their own person. She endured great betrayal and pain from her biological family, which she chose to live on in spite of the world she grew up in. She was strong, independent, a true force to be reckoned with. Her pain and experiences drove her to advocacy in any capacity. She cared so dearly for animals, children, and was protective of her people. She left such an impact on those around her, was encouraging to others to follow their own passions, always had a non-judgmental ear to lend, and would give her last dollars to someone in need even when she needed it herself. She spent the last of her years endlessly devoted in caring for her husband and dog in Wyoming, which she enjoyed despite the wind, because there are no bugs or humidity.
She is survived by her husband, Richard Johnson; their fur baby, Czarina; and the family of friends she collected along her journey. She was the best chosen family, her presence in this life is dearly missed, may her spirit find peace and at long last rest.
Patrick “Pat” Kevin Leimback: 1957 – 2026
Patrick Kevin Leimback, age 68, of Casper, Wyoming, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026 at Central Wyoming Hospice, surrounded by loved ones. Those who knew him will remember Pat for kindness, sense of humor, love for his family, his time with the volunteer fire department and his love for the town of Dubois.
Pat was born on March 17, 1957 in Casper, Wyoming to Harry and Melda Leimback and grew up in Casper, Wyoming. After graduating high school, Pat spent his summer working at Brooks Lake Lodge owned by his parents. What was meant to be a summer job, turned into love for a small town where he found the love of his life and lived the majority of his life.
On June 12, 1978 Pat married Diana “Dee” Lynn Leimback, beginning a partnership defined by love, commitment, care taking and trips to the casino when they could get away. Together they raised four children, traveled, worked, and served the community. Pat took great pride in his children and grandchildren. He especially loved the family “lobster fest” tradition.
Throughout his life, Pat worked at the Wyoming LP until transitioning into a plumbing profession. Prior to starting L&L Plumbing, with his son, Tom, he started Pat’s Plumbing and enjoyed mentoring one of his closest friends, Shawn Hess. He proudly served the city of Dubois as a volunteer fireman and as the fire chief for 5 years. Additionally, he served as the Emergency Management Coordinator. Pat was known for his playful behavior and his willingness to help anyone in need when he could. Outside of work, he found joy in hunting, fishing, camping and enjoying his friends and family.
Pat had a gift for storytelling and often known for his unexpected drop ins. He will be remembered for the care he took of his wife, Dee, who had many health challenges throughout her life, but Pat was always there for her and the children.
Pat is survived by his sister, Linda Toohey (Ed); children: Thomas Leimback, Kristy (Josh) Oster, Jennifer (Branden) Leonhardt, Amber (Corey) Ramsey; grandchildren: Peyton and Preston Leimback, Kooper and Konner Oster, and Hayden and Brooklyn Leonhardt.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Diana “Dee” Lynn Leimback; parents, Harry and Melda Leimback; and brother, Tom Leimback.
A celebration of Life will be held on March 14, 2026, at noon at Noon Rock in Dubois, Wyoming after a graveside service at 11 a.m. All who knew and loved Pat are welcome to attend.
Larry Luckow: 1942 – 2026
Larry Dean Luckow, age 83, passed away peacefully just after midnight on February 28, 2026, in Casper, Wyoming, surrounded by the love and memory of his family. Larry was a man of quiet strength, deep loyalty, and steady presence, whose life was defined by devotion to those he loved and the Catholic values he held dear. He lived a full and meaningful life, marked by hard work, resilience, global travel, and a generous, voluntary spirit that touched all who knew him.
Born in Hettinger, North Dakota in 1942, he arrived as the first child of Minnie Kvanvig Luckow and William Luckow, who themselves were first born children in America, in 1917 and 1918 respectively, of Norwegian and German immigrants. Growing up he enjoyed Boy Scouts, playing baseball, and wrestling as part of Hettinger High School’s inaugural team in 1959. Early on he acquired a penchant for being a prankster, a trait that regrettably endured his entire life!
Eager to move on from being trapped in school, he joined the Marine Corps in 1960, serving his country in Japan and Vietnam. He was chosen to act in ‘The Outsider,’ a 1961 movie starring Tony Curtis featuring the Marines landing in Iwo Jima. Post-military, he was trained and certified as a master machinist and operations manager, supporting oil fields globally in: Singapore, Australia, Scotland, England, France, Italy, Norway, Germany, Holland, Amsterdam, Spain, Portugal, Malta, Sicily, Island of Gozo, Columbia, Peru, Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador, Center of the World, Argentina, Philippines, Thailand, Dubai, Egypt, Canada, Mexico, Israel, Japan, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Trinidad/Tobago, Suez Canal, Monaco, and the Island of San Andres.
Following the globe-trotting life, he and Mary Ann, his wife of 42 years, chose Wyoming as their retirement location in 2004. Starting in a cabin in the mountains near Crandall, they subsequently lived in Cody and Casper, Wyoming. As retirement loomed, he cultivated the craft of carving, and over his lifetime, creating hundreds of works large and small, winning Best of Show ribbons in Montana and Wyoming competitions on a regular basis.
Larry is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Luckow; brothers, Loren Luckow and Lynn Luckow; and children: Lucinda Baker, Lance Luckow, Trever Bergman, and Joe Bergman. His fifth child, Layne Luckow, preceded him in death in 2020. He is also survived by daughters-in-law: Michele Luckow, Karla Luckow, Darlene Bergman, and Jenny Bergman; grandchildren and spouses: Kody and Lacee Luckow, Tim and Erica Bergman, Nicholai and Lex Bergman, Adam and Noel Baker, Austin Baker, Chris and Megan Luckow, Jolissa Ramsey, Cody Ramsey, Desire Luckow Tames and Ronnie Tames, Gianna Vanata, Michael Vanata; and scores of greatgrandchildren. Linda Luckow, his first wife, preceded him in death.
Larry will be remembered most for his unwavering love of family, his kindness, his faith in God, and ability to ensure everyone and everything he touched was better for it. Though he is no longer with us, his example and memory will remain a lasting source of strength, comfort, and inspiration to his family and friends.
If you wish to contribute to a memorial, in lieu of flowers or trees, please consider a tax-deductible contribution to one of Larry’s favorite charities, the High Plains Honor Flight, celebrating America’s Veterans.
A visitation for friends and family will be held Monday, March 2, 2026 at Newcomer Funeral Home from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. A Rosary will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026 at Newcomer Funeral Home starting at 6 p.m. A mass will be held Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Casper.
Carolyn Anne Phillips: 1942 – 2026
Carolyn Phillips, 83, of Casper, Wyoming passed away Monday, March 2, 2026.
Carolyn was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She graduated from Monrovia High School in Monrovia, California. She married Donald Phillips on July 8, 1960 and made their home in California before moving to Wyoming. They had four children: Brett, Lance, Maryann, and Mark.
Carolyn was preceded in death by son, Brett. She is survived by her children: Lance, Maryann, and Mark; eight grandchildren; and a growing number of great-grandchildren.
Terry Tim Solon: 1934 – 2026
Tim Solon, age 91, of Casper, Wyoming, died Saturday, February 28, 2026 in Casper. He was born August 25, 1934 in Elyria, Ohio to Howard and Marjorie (Kope) Solon. He was raised in Wooster, Ohio, and after graduating from high school, he attended Hiram College in Hiram, Ohio.
While at Hiram, Tim served as Student Body President for the 1955-56 school year. He had an outstanding academic record, took leading roles in campus play productions, served on important student faculty committees, and was active in student religious affairs. While in Hiram, he served as student pastor of the Lake Milton Community Church in Lake Milton, Ohio.
After Hiram, Tim moved to Gambier, Ohio to attend Bexley Hall Seminary, a historic Episcopal seminary alongside Kenyon College. After graduating, Tim then served as pastor of the North Guilford Congregational Church in North Guilford, Connecticut before moving to Grove City, Pennsylvania, where he was ordained on March 2, 1961 in the Church of the Epiphany as a Priest in the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
Tim then moved to Newcastle, Wyoming, where he served as pastor of Christ Episcopal Church. While living in Newcastle, Tim served as pastor for Wyoming’s 75th Anniversary Wagon Train, a historical reenactment held in 1965 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Wyoming’s statehood. As part of that wagon train, Tim rode his beloved horse, Bud, all the way from Newcastle to Douglas, and slept under covered wagons at night.
Tim’s next move was to Casper where he was the pastor of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church for several years. It was there that he began to be affectionately known as “Father Tim.” In the 1980s, he moved to Cheyenne to serve as pastor of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, where he remained until his “retirement” in 2000.
After retirement, he served as a temporary pastor for the Lutheran Church in Cheyenne before continuing to serve the Episcopal Church as a supply priest wherever he was needed throughout Wyoming. He especially enjoyed his monthly visits to Glenrock’s Christ Episcopal Church until COVID struck in 2020. In the past year, Tim moved back to Casper to be closer to his family.
Tim had an immense fondness and respect for the Jewish people and their faith. He spent countless hours helping to establish the Jewish library at Mt. Sinai Synagogue in Cheyenne and he often attended Shabbat services on Friday evening, so much so that they dedicated a chair just for him in his honor.
Tim had a very quick wit and a great gift of gab. He had a tremendous love for animals. When he adopted a pet, they were with him “furever.” He served on innumerable boards and committees throughout his life, with much of his work being to seek better lives for the underserved in his communities. His life’s mission was for equality, justice, and peace for all.
In addition to his parents, Tim is preceded in death by his son, Patrick Michael Solon. He is survived by four children: Cyndy Solon and Lloyd (Judy) Solon of Longview, Washington, Natalie (Doug) Hansen and Ned Solon of Casper, Wyoming; 10 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. He is also survived by his two beloved dogs, Nacho and Buddy.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 14, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church with the Reverend Temple Heatherly officiating. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery.
Tim was adamant: He wants no flowers! He has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to one or more of the following: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Casper, St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Cheyenne, Christ Episcopal Church in Newcastle, Mt. Sinai Synagogue in Cheyenne, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wyoming.
