Chris Merlin Asbury

Chris Merlin Asbury, (70) of Casper, Wyoming, died November 25, 2023. Chris was born December 31, 1952 in Salt Lake City, UT to Ronald and Kay (Jensen) Tolman. Kay later remarried Norman Asbury, and Norm welcomed Chris as his son.

Chris graduated from Kelly Walsh High School in 1971. He attended Casper College and University of Colorado, Boulder. He would go on to work as a land surveyor for many years, as the Natrona County Surveyor and later for private firms until his retirement in 2016.

While in Boulder, he met Marsha Brekke. In 1977, they were married during a sunny break in the storm clouds in a backyard ceremony. Together they welcomed 2 daughters, Rachel and Sara. Chris loved being a father. He was always watching over his family and caring for his girls. He took his role as protector very much to heart.

When the family opened First Street Bakers in 1995, Chris was proud to be the builder and fixer of all things. Sometimes, to the great annoyance of his girls, things would start working as soon as he walked in the room. "It sensed my presence," he would say with a smirk.

Chris will be remembered for his humor and caring. He did everything in his power to care for the people around him. Always one to lighten the mood, his Tiny Dill Wholes brought smiles and laughter in moments of grief. A Christmas tree shape shaved into his chest hair made the family and hospital staff crack up during a holiday hospital visit. He was witty and sharp and could beat anyone at final Jeopardy, especially when "Who is Margaret Mead?" was the question. He was passionate about cooking for people he cared about. His Thanksgiving stuffing was truly a work of art, his "sneaky snacks" when browning hamburger brought excitement to the mundane and his banana bread brought comfort to weary teens.

Chris is survived by his two daughters, Rachel Sheets (Michael) of Casper, WY and Sara Keeler (Lucas) of Newcastle, WY and 4 grandchildren, Jack Sheets and Madelyn Sheets of Casper, WY and Peter Keeler and Alice Keeler of Newcastle, WY. He is also survived by his siblings Jody VonSeggern of Casper, WY, Tyler (Janet) Asbury of Kaneohe, HI and Matt Asbury of Phoenix, AZ and his former wife, Marsha Asbury of Casper, WY. He was preceded in death by his parents Ronald Tolman, Kay Asbury and Norman Asbury.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Newcomer Funeral Home in Casper, WY. To view a livestream of the service, please click here.

To share a memory of Chris or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.