Walter Fredrick Vanhorn

Walter Fredrick "Fred" Vanhorn, 90, of Mills, passed away June 16, 2011 at Wyoming Medical Center,
He was born Sept. 13, 1920 in Bayerd, NE, the son of Walter and May Cantrell Vanhorn. The family moved to Casper Mountain when Walter was three weeks old. The family homesteaded in 1920 in the area called Triangle Park when only 6 families lived on the mountain. He attended school one year in North Casper and then the family moved to 1412 S. Jackson and he attended school at Grant. The family then moved to 7th Street in Mountain View and then he attended Mills Schools. He was a graduate of Natrona county High School in 1938 where he participated in Track and Boxing and won first place in Horseshoe pitching. He enjoyed raising a garden and sold his produce at the Table Supply Store. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and served as an instructor of starters and hydraulics. Fred was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Dorothy Phelps April 24, 1943. Fred and Dorothy owned and operated the Wagon Wheel Roller Skating Rink in Mills. He was appointed Mills Town Marshall in 1951. He became Chief of Police in Mills and retired after 33 years of service. He was a charter member of The Mills Mountain View Lion's club. He and his family had many skate-a-thons to raise money for MDA. He loved spending time with his family and was an avid fisherman.
Survivors include his wife, Dorothy of the home, one daughter, Beverly Vanhorn (Larry) of Casper, one son, Donald Vanhorn (Thelma) of Casper, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Lula Hoffman.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, June 21, 2:00 PM at Highland Park Community Church with Pastor Buddy Hanson officiating. The family will receive friends at the Newcomer Funeral Home on Monday, June 20, 2011 from 6 to 7 PM. Interment will be at Wyoming Memorial Garden Cemetery. A reception will follow the interment at The Wagon Wheel Skating Rink. Friends are encouraged to bring pictures and share memories of Fred at the reception. Memorial contributions may be made to The Mountain View Baptist Church.