Fred Carr

Fred Carr, aged 90, died at Central Wyoming Hospice Home on August 16, 2011 with congestive heart failure.

He was one of many entrepreneurs in Casper's oil & gas scene in the last century.

Fred was born August 8, 1921 on the Bellefontaine, Ohio farm that his forefathers cleared out of the wilderness. After a young life of farm work and education in local schools he attended the College of Wooster, graduating with a bachelor's degree in Geology & Chemistry.

War precipitated his membership in the first class of midshipmen to complete their training at Columbia University. As Naval liaison officer with the Marines, he participated in a series of island invasions in the South Pacific from Tarawa to Peleliu. He was taciturn about "The Great Unpleasantness", but it forever shaped his generation's perspective on life.

Following the war, Fred sought to apply his skills in petroleum geology and his love affair with the Rocky Mountain West began. His experiences included work for Stanolind Oil & Gas (1948-51), British-American Oil (1951-1964) and as an independent geologist for the remainder of his career. This latter decision allowed him to office next to his lifelong friend, Thomas Stroock. Fred was a partner with his father-in-law William Clark in the Benton Clay Company. He was a resident of Casper since 1948, save for a decade in Denver.

Fred served his community on the board of directors of the YMCA and Big Brothers and served 2 terms on the Wyoming Environmental Quality Council. He is a past president of the Wyoming Geological Association and a member of the Kiwanis Club, Casper Country Club, Petroleum Club, and St. Anthony's Church.

Fred's adopted state provided the inspiration for his life's work and recreation.
Highway driving was always an opportunity for a stratigraphic education. The waters beckoned him with fish and the fields with birds. They all were opportunities for sharing with his many friends. Backpacking trips were annual events for multiple families and 10 stalwart men, the Cheerful Charlies. He ignored his healthy fear of heights to climb the Grand Teton as part of his 60th birthday celebration.

But he would tell you his greatest accomplishment was his marriage of 62 years to his bride, Joan. She endured the many days of his absence while in the oil patch and was his partner in mountain tents and duck blinds.

He is survived by his wife Joan, his children/grandchildren; Martha Oyler of Phoenix (Christine), Deborah (Terry) O'Brien of Casper (Erin & LeAnne O'Brien, Kelly & Nick Grudzien), and F. Douglas (Karla) Carr of Billings (Lauren, Robert Allen, Shawn), 5 great-grand children, and Little Brother, Tom Jones of Casper.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Martha, and Labrador retrievers too numerous to count.

Memorials may be made to the Fred and Joan Carr Nursing Scholarship at Casper College, . 125 College Dr., Casper, WY. 82601



FUNERAL SERVICES: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 3rd 10:00 AM at St. Anthony's with MSGR. James O'Neil and Father Michael Carr officiating. Inurnment will follow immediately at Highland Cemetery.