John Dever

John Patrick Dever

CASPER – Funeral services for John Patrick Dever, 80, will be celebrated at 10:00 am, on Saturday, April 19, 2008, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with Fr. August Koeune officiating. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery.
A rosary and vigil service will be held Friday evening, April 18, 2008, at 7:00 pm, at Newcomer Family Funeral Home. Family and friends are welcome to come early for a public viewing from 6:00 pm until the time of the vigil at 7:00pm.
John passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Tuesday morning, April 15, 2008, after courageously enduring seven long years of dialysis.
He was born January 11, 1928, in Casper, Wyoming, the son of Onney J. and Ellen Dever. He spent his childhood playing with friends in his old North Casper neighborhood. He attended St. Anthony's Catholic School through 8th grade and graduated from Natrona County High School in 1946.
Later that same year, he entered the U. S. Navy and was stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii. After his discharge, he returned to Casper where he attended Casper College.
On September 1, 1949, John married the love of his life, Dolores Ann (Dee) McKenna, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church. Together they accumulated a wealth of wonderful memories.
He led an active life in the oil business. He started his career in 1950 with his first job, working in the office at Standard Refinery in Casper. In 1952, he began work as a petroleum landman for what later became Mobil Oil Company, and in 1954 he started up their Cheyenne office. In 1956, he left Mobil to become an independent landman, and he remained involved in the oil industry until his death. Oil work was his passion, and integrity was his motto. Those who knew him well will swear that he is still making oil deals with the angels.
He was an active member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church where he attended daily Mass as long as his health would allow it. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for the past 59 years. He also was a longtime member of the Wyoming Association of Petroleum Landmen, the Wyoming Geological Association, the Casper Petroleum Club, and the Old-timers Landman's Group.
In his earlier years, he enjoyed dancing, fishing, hunting, rock collecting, gardening and traveling. More recently, he enjoyed visiting with friends and family, especially with his grandchildren of whom he was extremely proud. He rarely missed watching the Broncos games, and he took joy in playing a game of Rummikub with his wife. He had a wide range of friends in all walks of life. He always had a sincere smile for everyone and a song for every occasion.
Survivors include his wife, Dee; his son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Sharon Dever; his daughter and son-in-law, Gail and Rich Enyert, all of Casper; and his daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Lee Bonse of Chandler, AZ; eleven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jim Dever; and his sister, Mary Tram.
Memorials to the Holy Cross Center, 1030 N. Center, Casper, WY 82601 or to the John Patrick Dever Memorial Scholarship Fund at St. Anthony's Tri-Parish School, 218 E. 7th, Casper, WY 82601 would be appreciated by the family.