Don E. Leiber

Don E. Leiber, 89, dressed in his "grubbies" (much to Jean's dismay), shirt pockets bulging, and dime-store glasses perched on his forehead, went to that great big garage in Heaven on March 7, 2012. Those who knew him well will appreciate that he no longer has to worry about having enough "backups" and that he doesn't even need one, much less four, lawnmowers! Don's death was the result of gradual decline over the last 1-1/2 years after breaking both hips within a five-month time span. Ironically, he just basically ran out of gas, something that he continually counseled his kids against by telling them, "If you get down to half a tank, you'd better just top 'er off!"

Don was born on February 6, 1923, in Craig, CO, but soon moved to Rawlins, WY, where he grew up and graduated from high school. He briefly attended the University of Wyoming, and then, like so many from that brave generation, with the onset of WWII, enlisted in the military at the age of 19. He served in the US Army Air Forces as a "Hump" pilot, flying 85 treacherous missions over the daunting Himalayas from India to China over Burma. Don earned the Distinguished Flying Cross as well as a number of other medals and citations for his service to our country. After the war, he continued in the Officers' Reserve Corps, in which he remained for the next 25 years, ultimately attaining the rank of Major.

He returned to UW, where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, and received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. It was there that, facilitated to some degree by his frat brother and future uncle-in-law, Maurice Faler, Don convinced homecoming queen, Etha Jean Bromley, to go on a date. The couple married on September 7, 1947, and celebrated 56 years together before her death in 2003.

Don worked with his father at the Leiber Motor Company in Rawlins until it was sold in 1969. He was then appointed Executive Director of the Wyoming Employment Security Commission in Casper and worked in that capacity for several terms, and then as a Field Supervisor for Wyoming Job Service until his retirement.

There was rarely a dull moment in the Leiber household as Don was never afraid to tackle a project or try a new hobby, starting with building their house in Rawlins. He was an accomplished photographer, loved silk screening, brewed beer and made wine, raised Siamese fighting fish, and cultivated his yearly tomato crop. With Jean's help, they also did canning, made jerky, refinished and reupholstered furniture, collected stamps, won word slogan contests, played bridge, and were actively involved in their children's activities including Cub Scouts, science fairs, softball games, and piano and dance recitals. The family enjoyed boating in his 1948 Criss Craft at Seminoe and Alcova, sledding in the Snowy Range after chopping down hand-picked Christmas trees, and picnicking in Medicine Bow National Forest. He taught his kids how to use a slide rule, how to compute the square root of a number without a calculator, and how to play bridge. He also regularly joined his coffee buddies at Kmart/Hardee's.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and John D. Leiber, and his beloved wife, Jean. He is survived by his three children, Jeffrey of Phoenix, Donna Jean of Temecula, CA, and Beth Ann and son-in-law Bill Markland of Colorado Springs; five grandsons, Brian and Kevin Markland of Denver, Thaddius Leiber (and wife Melissa) of Houston, Russell Leiber (and wife Ashley) of Queen Creek, AZ, and Quinton Leiber of Peoria, AZ; two great-grandsons, Eric and Travis Leiber; a great-granddaughter, Persephone Leiber; his sister Wilma Moore of Casper; and three nieces.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Don E. Leiber to Central Wyoming Senior Services, 1831 E. 4th St., Casper, WY 82601, or a charity of the donor's choice. Viewing will take place at Newcomer Funeral Home on Monday, March 19, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and services will follow at 1:00 p.m., with Chaplain Marvin Skogen officiating. Military rites by Natrona United Veterans Council and Wyoming National Guard. Private Interment will be at Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery.