William Richard Bowling

William Richard Bowling passed away on April, 4th 2017, surrounded by his immediate family after a brief battle with cancer. Bill was born on June 13th, 1937 in Omaha, NE to Roy J. and Frances K. Bowling. The family later moved to Cody, NE where he lived until graduating high school in 1954. He moved to Thermopolis, WY in 1963, worked for the Arapahoe Ranch and served as a member of the Wyoming National Guards. In Thermopolis he met the love of his life Evelyn Joyce Woody. They were married June 2nd, 1965, and three sons were born to this union. As a young man Bill enjoyed everything in the outdoors and spent countless days on the back of a horse either as a Saddle Bronc Rider or genuine Cowboy. His love for livestock led him to his lifelong career. In 1966 he joined the Wyoming Livestock Board and certified his Peace Officer training through the University of Wyoming in 1972. Bill received several awards and recognitions as a Brand Inspector during his 43 year career with the Wyoming Livestock Board. Soon after retirement he traded in his spurs for a fishing pole and spent many days fishing the lakes and streams in the Big Horn Mountains. Some of his greatest enjoyments were traveling with family and friends to places like Victoria B.C., Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii and lastly Yuma, AZ where he and Evelyn spent the last thirteen winters surrounded by wonderful friends. Bill enjoyed attending many of his grandkid's soccer, lacrosse, basketball and cross country events. Bill was preceded in death by his father Roy Bowling, mother Frances Bowling, brother Jack Bowling, sister Susie Lawrence and sister Joan Bowling. Bill is survived by his wife Evelyn Bowling, sons Scott Bowling of Miles City, MT, Todd (Marcy) Bowling of Gillette, WY, Toby (Michelle) Bowling of Sammamish, WA, sister Kay Alchu of Omaha, NE and nine grandchildren, Brandon, Karissa, Cayden, Achton, Kelton, Ashytn, Daylen, Raeganne, Wyatt and several nieces and nephews. Memorial donations can be sent to the Heptner Cancer Center in care of Bill at PO Box 3011, Gillette, WY 82716. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Walker Funeral Home 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at http://www.walkerfuneralgillette.com