Wayne Simonson

Wayne Elden Simonson, son of Oscar and Nida Simonson was born April 28, 1934 in Thermopolis, WY as one of 10 children, died on January 30, 2009 in Casper, WY.

Wayne was schooled in Shoshoni, WY and graduated in 1952 from Thermopolis, WY High School where he met his future wife, Mary David, who blessed his life for the next 55 years. As a teenager, Wayne worked on a seismograph exploration crew and in various oilfield jobs. He was then drafted into the Army where he served in Anchorage, Alaska on Elmendorf Air Force Base. Upon discharge Wayne supported his family by working in the oil patch and utilized the GI bill to help him to acquire his Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of Wyoming. He later received a Master's Degree in Education at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Wayne worked as a Vocational Education Teacher at the Glenrock High School, CY Junior High, and Kelly Walsh High School over a period of 31 years. Wayne was Industrial Arts Chairman during his tenure at Kelly Walsh and developed their Computer Aided Drafting curriculum. He received the Teacher of the Year Award and retired from Kelly Walsh High School at the age of 57. Following his retirement from the school district he accepted a temporary assignment for the City of Casper Engineering Department.

In addition to teaching, Wayne worked during the summer months welding for numerous fabrication companies and drafting for WOTCO. He and his wife, Mary, enjoyed making numerous real estate investments over the years purchasing, constructing, remodeling and landscaping numerous projects to supplement their income. Wayne received his private pilot license and enjoyed flying and alpine skiing. Wayne and his wife enjoyed traveling to Texas and Arizona in the winter. Wayne also served on numerous boards, enjoyed personal computers, music and digital photography.

Wayne had dealt with chronic back pain for a couple of years and more recently was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the Mountain View Regional Hospital where he received exceptional treatment from the doctors and staff that included removal of the brain tumor and caring for him following two strokes. Wayne peacefully passed away while surrounded by family on Friday, January 30, 2009 in Casper, WY.

Survived by wife, Mary Simonson, and siblings, Ada McIntyre (Duane) – Meridian, Idaho, Georgia Miller (Gene), - Pomona, Kansas, Norval Simonson – Seattle, Washington, Adrian Simonson (Linda) – Casper, WY, and children Kathy David, David Simonson(wife DeeAnne), and Douglas Simonson all of Casper, Wyoming. He was also survived by grandchildren: Sunshine Bon (husband Chris Gerardy), Jeremy Bon, David Bon, Emily Waugaman (husband Jason), Joel Simonson, Bethany Simonson and one great-grandchild, Lazarus Gerardy.

Wayne was preceded in death by parents, Oscar and Nida Simonson, twin brother, Thayne, and brothers: Donald, Phillip, Lyle and Kenneth Simonson.

At his request a private service was held.

Memorials in his memory, in lieu of flowers, may be made to Casper Humane Society, 849 East E St., Casper, WY 82601