Zane Gray

Zane 'Tarz' Doton Gray, 81 of Casper, WY passed away peacefully on January 3, 2024 at Wyoming Medical Center.

Zane was born October 3, 1942 in Mobridge, SD to Allan Doton and Margaret Ann (Phillips) Gray. In 1949, Zane's family relocated to Chadron, NE and purchased a farm south of Chadron where they raised six children, farmed, and raised cattle. Zane attended Chadron Preparatory School. In 1965 while working on a construction project in Lander, WY, he met and soon married his wife and lifelong partner, Cathy (Wallace) Gray.

They enjoyed living and working on ranches in Nebraska, Wyoming, and Montana for years maintaining many friendships they made throughout those years. Zane was a good storyteller and loved reminiscing with old friends about 'the good ole days' of ropin, ranchin, and rompin,' all of which is part of the cowboy lifestyle. When retirement came, they moved to Casper where they could be close to their son and grandchildren.

Zane served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam conflict and was assigned to the11th ACR, Black Horse Regiment. Zane seldom spoke about what the Blackhorse regiment accomplished during the year he rode with them, but they all wore the 'rearing stallion' patch and could say proudly that they had served and rode with the 'best damn unit' in the Calvary.

Zane was preceded in death by his parents, Allan and Margaret Gray, and his wife, Cathy Gray. He is survived by a son, Wade Gray, of Casper, WY; three grandchildren: Gauge, Kayley and Brailyn Gray of Casper; and five siblings: Allan (Charlotte) Gray of Lander, WY, Glen (Carol) Gray of Pueblo, CO, Diane (Steve) Lecher of Chadron, NE, Darlene (Joe) Bolen of Sierra Vista, AZ, and Karen Grover of Chadron, NE.

Plans for the interment of remains at the Oregon Trail State Veteran's Cemetery in Casper, WY will be announced in the local media one month prior to the services for those who would like to attend.

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