Lawrence Harry “Larry” Pawlowski: 1931 – 2022
Lawrence (Larry) H. Pawlowski, age 90, died March 12, 2022, at Wyoming Medical Center. A celebration of life will be held at Our Saviour’s Luther Church at 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 11, 2022.
Lawrence was born at Alpena, SD July 24, 1931 to Emil and Byrdella Pawlowski. He graduated from Lane High School, enlisted in the US Navy, and stationed in Hawaii. He returned home and pursed his educational degree at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD. There he met Betty Lou (Sundheim) at Augustana College later marrying August 25, 1957. They moved to Casper in July 1958 where Lawrence taught business subjects at Dean Morgan Jr. High School for 32 years. They were divorced in 1994 after 37 years of marriage.
Lawrence was an active member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, singing in the choir, serving on the Endowment Committee and Church Council Board; Habitat for Humanity; and delivering Meals on Wheels.
Lawrence loved life and pursued leather-crafting, working with agates for jewelry and lamps, and fixing up garage sale finds and reselling. He enjoyed companionship with Marion Doody as they traveled. He was a garage sale “enthusiast” and loved looking for bargains with his close friend, Bea Leafdale. They also enjoyed going to many dances and watched old movies at Casper College. He loved his Goldwing motorcycles but also enjoyed touring by airplane, ships, and automobile.
Lawrence greeted everyone with a smile and a conversation. He called Casper his home and many people knew him through church, former typing teacher, and garage sale supporter. He always looked forward to delivering Meals on Wheels, coffee time with friends, donating blood and providing donations to various organizations.
Lawrence spent the last nine months at Primrose Retirement Community, enjoying classical and bluegrass music, Andy Griffith, meeting new friends, and rekindling old friends.
Lawrence is survived by his daughters, Nancy Pawlowski and Laura Pawlowski of Casper, Wy; a very special niece, Luanne (Kevin) Thompson of Virgil, SD; Lavonne (Gaylord) Bult of Kearney, NE; LeRoy Sheffield of Aberdeen, SD and Loren Sheffield of Tucson, AZ; and many cousins residing in Australia, Montana, South Dakota, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Texas, and Arkansas. His parents, Emil and Byrdella and a sister, Dorothy Thomas, precede him in death.
Inurnment will be held later at Oregon Trail Cemetery with military rites.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made out to Our Saviour’s Endowment Fund.
Kenna Sue Steele (Anderson): 1964 – 2022
Kenna Sue was the ultimate Warrior Princess. She fought for her life fiercely for several years ultimately succumbing to her illnesses on March 14th, 2022, surrounded by her family. She had an overwhelming love for life and faced her challenges with courage and conviction. She had a loving, caring and nurturing personality which attracted many souls and left lasting imprints on several hearts. Kenna fulfilled many roles in her short life. She was a daughter, a sister, a mama, a mugga, a nana, and a friend. She will be greatly missed by all who had the honor of meeting her.
Kenna was born in Casper, Wyoming on July 21st, 1964 to Kenneth and Virginia Anderson. She had two siblings Shelley (Scott) Murphey of Lovell, WY and Kent (Robina) Anderson of Miami, OK.
She married her first love Thomas G. Taylor on July 15th, 1980. Together they had three daughters Andria (John) Mason, Jennifer Taylor, Tommi Taylor, and their beloved son Nicholas Taylor. She was blessed with eleven cherished grandchildren: Jesse, Joey, Katie, Tyson, Tao, Tristen, Isaac, Nixon, Asher and the Babies. Tommy and Kenna spent 25 years together. Even though the marriage ended, she always held tight to the bond of their family.
Kenna met Lloyd Steele they quickly fell in love and married November 26th, 2004. Lloyd showed Kenna how to live life to the fullest. Together they made many lasting memories and lifelong friends at their home away from home on the hill. He provided for and loved her through all her years of suffering.
Kenna was a Respiratory Therapist and had a thriving career. She started at Desert Samaritan Hospital in Mesa AZ. In 1995, they moved the family to Lovell WY where she worked at North Big Horn Hospital. In 1999, when the opportunity to return to her hometown of Casper came along, she took it and went to work at Wyoming Medical Center for 15 years making many life long friends including: Tami Knotts her BFF and work wife, together they helped save countless lives and made many memories. Kenna had to leave her job in 2010, when her health Issues prevented her from working, but she never lost her compassion and healing spirit.
Kenna was a free spirited flower child with a heart of gold. She had the ability to make friends anywhere she went. She never met a stranger. She enjoyed camping in the Big Horns with her family each summer at her “happy place” Sibly lake. She was an avid bingo player and could be found at Troopers Bingo with her BBB Nikki, any chance she had. She also loved crocheting hats and blankets for her family, creating crafts with her mother, plants of all kinds, family poker, road trips with her family, admiring sunsets and earthing with her daughters and making fairy gardens for her grandchildren. She was always the happiest with a baby in her arms. Kenna had such an appreciation for life and the gifts we were given.
Kenna was a faithful Christian , Always reminding her Children and Grandchildren to “give it to God” and taught them that although this world is not always easy, our rewards will be great in heaven. We know she is now receiving her rewards in heaven, because she gave so much of herself to others here on earth. She always said the best prayers during family functions and encouraged her children to remain strong within their faith.
With her passing she took a piece of each of our hearts with her, and although we mourn our loss, we find comfort in knowing she is now reunited in Heaven with some of her favorite people, living an eternal life free from pain, illness, and suffering. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Mildred and Howard Trullinger paternal Grandparents Kenneth and Jonnie Anderson her beloved Aunt Cathy Hillard, her cousin Mathew Trullinger, her best friends Marsha & Bill Cole and the father of her children Thomas G.Taylor.
She is survived by her husband and guardian angel Lloyd Steele. Her best friend and mother Virginia Anderson. Her loving and protective father Ken Anderson. Her soulmate, nurse, best friend and sister Shelley (Scott) Murphey and children Jon Jake CJ and Trace who had a special bond with their Nana. Her hero and brother Thomas Kent (Robina) Anderson and children Jacque, Tiffany, Corie, Jade, and Ethan. Her road trip companion, daughter and friend Andria (John) Mason and children Breeanna, Aubree, Katie, Isaac, and Asher. Her daughter Jennifer Taylor who was her one true “person” who selflessly remained by her side through thick and thin and children Jesse, Joey, Tyson, and Tao. Her princess, WUS, Travel partner and daughter Tommi Taylor and children Tristen and babies. Her baby boy, hero, veteran and adoring son Nick Taylor and his son Nixon. Her loving uncles Tom, Greg, Hal, and Doug, and numerous cousins and friends. Her pampered cat “Miss Kitty” and wacky dog Pancho, who will live out their days being spoiled by her parents. She will be greatly missed by everyone.
A celebration of life with be held at the Gaslight Social in Casper, WY on March 27th, 2022 from 1-4pm. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Kenna’s name to Troopers Drum and Bugle Corp or Central Wyoming Hospice.
Thomas Everett Davis: November 2, 1947 ~ March 11, 2022 (age 74)
Thomas Everett Davis was born as the grandson of homesteading pioneers in eastern Colorado, along the Arkansas River valley on November 2, 1947. Tom was dedicated to learning his family history and genealogy, preserving and passing it on, while organizing family reunions.
He was the keeper of family lore and legend. His passion for agriculture was evident in his meticulous gardening resulting in numerous bumper crops. He not only helped educate countless students, but he also greatly influenced and inspired students around the world. He specifically went to Midwest High School to start a French language program, and then on to East Junior High School, teaching English and French. He has been described by his students as much more than simply a favorite teacher.
The example of his character has been carried by his students throughout their lives. His colleagues have described him as possessing a caring personality with sincere kindness, and being a wonderful teacher, great listener and friend with wit and a dry sense of humor. He always made time to listen and could articulate a story that would make you think, laugh, or both. He cared very much for the environment and preserving it for future generations to enjoy, often incorporating creative writing projects for his students.
One of which involved trying to save Cedar Ridge that was featured in an article published in a national teaching magazine. He was persistent in ensuring that the North Platte River, now a blue-ribbon fishery, would no longer be polluted by the adjacent oil refineries. He was a very dedicated son, loving husband, father, and brother. He passed on his passions for nature and fly fishing to his son, just as his father had taught him.
If he was not fishing, he was probably dreaming about it and one could see the spark in his eye when fly fishing was a foot or the topic of conversation. He possessed an incredibly intellectual mind, having earned two master’s degrees. He loved reading and studying Native American history, their cultures, ways of life, and spiritual beliefs.
He was visited by his spirit animal, the golden eagle, while spending many summer evenings fishing in his favorite pools on Deer Creek. He has been described as a gentle giant with a caring soul. He was also a very passionate and dedicated Democrat, who fought to ensure the voices of everyone be heard, and he was adamant about writing our elected officials to ensure they were properly representing their constituents. He was an unfailing advocate for justice and truth. Tom went fishing with the golden eagle on March 11, 2022.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to St. Joseph’s Indian School or South West Indian Foundation.
Kelly Lee Lanham: 1959-2022
Kelly Lee Lanham, 63, of Shepherdsville, Kentucky, passed away on Monday, March 14, 2022 at her home.
Kelly was born and raised in Casper, Wy to Harold and Joanne Lanham. In 1985, she married Matthew Wiley and they made their home in Kentucky. Kelly was a homemaker, and one would never know what color her living room or bedroom walls would be from month to month.
She was also the world’s best shopper, which showed in her surroundings and how beautiful she always looked!
She loved spending time with her family and was most grateful to be a “Momma” to Alex and “Nina” to her grandkids. She was a former member of the Casper Trooper’s Drum and Bugle Corp in the early 70’s, which was one of her proudest accomplishments. Kelly’s reminder to everyone would be “love your family and friends with vigor and let your gentleness be evident to all!!!” She was preceded in death by her husband, Matthew Wiley and her parents, Harold and JoAnne Lanham.
Kelly is survived by one daughter, Alexandria Starks (Robert); two grandchildren, Maggie and Maverick; one brother, Kevin Lanham; and two sisters, Kerry Messersmith and Kodi Arner. The family requests that those wishing to express sympathy consider making a donation to their charity of choice in Kelly’s name.
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