Funeral services for Anna Buckingham, 84-year-old Buffalo resident who passed away Monday, April 6, will be held on Friday, April 17 at 2 p.m. at the Harness Funeral Home Chapel in Buffalo with Pastor Paul Gilbert officiating.
Interment will be in Willow Grove Cemetery with graveside committal service to immediately follow the funeral. Donations in Anna’s memory may be made to the Grace Fellowship Building Fund at 108 N. Burritt in Buffalo, Wyoming, or the Learning Tree Christian School at 820 W Fetterman Street Buffalo, 82834.Online condolences may be made at www.harnessfuneralhome.com.
M Joyce Lockwood: 1942 – 2026
Our mother was born on December 14, 1942 to Jim and Thelma Kramer in Tucson, Arizona. She and her sisters (Joan and Jerry) grew up in Longmont, Colorado. She dreamed of being a vet one day and enrolled at Colorado State. While at college she met our father, Daniel Harbour, and soon they married. College would have to wait as within a short time, Thomas (1962) was born, followed by Stephen (1963) David (1965) and Joel (1968).
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Our childhood was magical! Our refreshment chairman always had snacks, stories, hugs, and made the world’s best Christmas cookies! Sadly, the marriage ended. After a few years, mom introduced us to Harold Lockwood, who would become her husband and our dad in 1972. Through this marriage she gained another son, 12-year-old Steve (we now had a big Steve and a little Steve). Also, joining the family was daughter, 11-year-old Leslie, who lived with us part-time. Mom was raising five boys, six if you count Harold! Chaos, noise, dirt, broken walls, worry, more bills than money…paradise on earth for our mom.
Dad decided to move to Douglas, Wyoming and open a carpet and flooring store in 1976. Every woman dreams of packing up her life and moving to a tiny town! Mom was all in, supporting our dad and her family. They worked side-by-side and built a successful business. Mom did the books and managed the store while dad installed flooring and began teaching his sons the trade. Life can’t stay simple, big news, guess what? You are going to be a grandma! Leslie and her husband came to stay at our house. Five sons, a daughter, a new son-in-law, and a precious granddaughter, Nettie. Mom made a home for everyone. Helped care for the baby and our overwhelmed sister. She continued maintaining the house and working side-by-side with dad. Yet again life hit our mom with a curve ball. Tom was in a terrible dirt bike accident in 1981. Several times we were told Tom would not survive. Our mother’s dedication and faith resulted in Tom recovering beyond what anyone could have ever hoped for.
Life carried on, Leslie (Brian) had more kids (Nettie, DJ, Marcus, Nicky and Gabby). Big Steve had kids (Joshua, Crystal and Alicia). David had a son (Luke), sadly God only gave him a short time on earth. During this time in David’s life, he was a bit overwhelmed. He called our folks and said he needed them. They dropped everything to stand beside him. The earthly love of our mom and dad pulled David through. Life went on and mom and dad continued supporting and caring for all of us. Stephen (Ann) had a daughter and sons (Stevie Rae, Jacob and Lucas). David (Kristl) had more kids (Luke, Blake, Ivy, Anastasia, Isaac and Nevaeh). Joel (Tara) had four kids (Megan, Cassie, Ethan, and Amaya). Mom loved being Grandma Lockwood.
Sadly, Harold passed in 2019, they had 47 happy years together. Mom will be buried next to dad on the family’s land in Rist Canyon, Colorado on May 30 at noon. A memorial reception will follow at 2 p.m. at the Howling Cow Café in Bellevue.
Garrett Tyler West: 1978 – 2026
Garrett Tyler West, 48, of Gillette, Wyoming, passed away on April 4, 2026, in Winnemucca, Nevada.
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Garrett was born on February 10, 1978, in Laramie, Wyoming, to Lanny and Linette West. He grew up in the small town of Hanna, Wyoming, where he developed his lifelong love for the Wyoming outdoors. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology from the University of Wyoming, a path that perfectly matched his adventurous spirit and deep appreciation for the land he called home.
To know Garrett was to know someone who lived life fully and with great heart. He loved nothing more than hunting and fishing, immersing himself in Wyoming’s great outdoors—whether it was early mornings in the field, casting a line on a quiet lake, or simply soaking in the beauty of the landscapes that surrounded him. His daughters Shelby and Scarlett were the absolute center of his world, and his grandchildren Sophia and Matthew brought him endless joy and pride. He cherished every moment spent with them, creating memories that his family will hold onto forever.
Garrett was also a devoted movie buff with a quick wit and a movie quote ready for nearly any situation. He could lighten the mood or make a point with just the right line, often leaving everyone laughing. One of the family’s favorite stories was the notorious Bigfoot sighting he shared with his brother-in-law, Wayne—a tale that grew more legendary with every retelling and never failed to bring smiles around the table. In his early adult years in Laramie, he was inseparable from his loyal dog Bandit, and more recently, his beloved dog Nocona was his constant companion.
Garrett’s warmth, humor, and love for his family touched everyone who knew him. He was a proud father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle who found his deepest happiness in the simple things: time spent with loved ones, days in the wilderness, and the everyday moments that made life meaningful.
He is survived by his daughters, Shelby (Bryce) West and Scarlett Phillips; grandchildren, Sophia and Matthew Salzer; parents, Lanny and Linette West; sister, Christina (Wayne) Tucker; nephew, Jordan (Ross) Tucker; and niece, Ashlie (Justice) Tucker.
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Garrett was preceded in death by his grandparents: June and Harold West and Max and Mae Case.
Though his time with us was far too short, Garrett’s spirit lives on in the stories we’ll continue to tell, the love he poured into his family, and the Wyoming wilderness he cherished so deeply. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
James Walter Landers: 1946 – 2026
James Walter Landers, 79, passed away February 12, 2026, after a courageous battle with colon cancer.
Jim was born in Casper, Wyoming, to Minerva and Harvey Landers and graduated from Natrona County High School in 1965. During high school, he played bugle in the Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps. He attended the University of Wyoming and went on to earn his dental degree from Creighton University School of Dentistry in 1974.
After a brief period practicing in Gillette, Jim moved to Cody in 1977, where he opened his dental practice and served the community for nearly four decades. Known for his humor and genuine interest in others, he cared for generations of families.
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He was active in his profession, serving as President of the Wyoming Dental Association and as a national dental examiner. He was also inducted into the International College of Dentists.
Jim was active in ski racing, serving as a Technical Delegate for races across Wyoming and Montana.
He was known for his generosity, wit, and playful sense of humor. He enjoyed cooking, gardening, woodworking, and traveling throughout the American West and internationally.
His proudest role was being a father. He raised his daughter, MacKenzie, on his own from the time she was two and remained deeply proud of her throughout his life. He was also a devoted grandfather.
He is survived by his daughter, MacKenzie Landers Thorn; and his grandchildren, Kingsley Thorn and Landers Thorn. He was preceded in death by his parents, Minerva and Harvey Landers, and is also survived by his sister, Patty and many dear friends.
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A Celebration of Life will be held at Cody Methodist Church in Cody, Wyoming, on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11 a.m.
A full obituary is available at www.ballardfh.com.
Barbara Kidd Carpenter: 1936 – 2026
Barbara Kidd Carpenter, 89, from Casper, Wyoming. Daughter of Wyoming pioneer families, Lucille Love Kidd (of Hanna) and David Kidd (of Casper).
Barbara was a loving, respectful, and proud woman who cherished her large extended family and friends. We all admired her tenacity, love for family, and genuine interest in her loved ones’ lives. Her generosity and close connection to her family made her a wonderful gift, and she was renowned for her gift-giving.
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She started school at Park Elementary, a few blocks from home, graduated from NCHS, and then attended the University of Wyoming, where she was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
Athletics played a pivotal role in shaping Barbara’s life, encompassing a diverse range of activities such as alpine ski racing, swimming, hunting, fishing, tennis, and golf. Throughout her journey, she relentlessly pushed the boundaries of her physical abilities and the capabilities of her equipment. Joint replacements have emerged as a blessing in disguise, providing her with the mobility and support she needed to continue her athletic pursuits.
Barbara Kidd met and fell in love with her life partner, Dawn Carpenter, while they were attending the University of Wyoming after his Marine Corps service in the Korean War. Barbara and Dawn had five spirited and active children who filled their house with adventure, lively conversations, and the presence of people. Their extended family and friends were always visiting, and there were many celebrations throughout the years. Her family of five kids: Kim Nyenhuis of Fort Collins, Colorado., Bill Carpenter of Anchorage, Alaska., Brad Carpenter of Casper, Wyoming, Kristin Carpenter Queen of Casper, Wyoming and Kelley Carpenter Klein; turned in 12 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Barbara was a dedicated servant who held leadership roles in several community organizations, including the PEO Chapter Y, PTO for Crest Hill Elementary, Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church, and various community service groups. Community was of utmost importance to her.
This super fun, hilarious, and naughty lady is survived by her brother, Bill Kidd; five children; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dawn Carpenter; brothers, Tom Kidd and Bob Kidd.
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Caryn Ann (Calder) Mullin: 1964 – 2026
Steve Oldham (Nikki) of Benson, Utah; and Jamie Klaassen (Jeff) of Queen Creek, Arizona.
Caryn is preceded in death by her husband, John Mullin; mother, Dodie Wenzel; and stepfather, Joe Wenzel.
Funeral services will be held April 3, 2026, 1 p.m. at 6521 N 2400 W, Amalga, Utah. Burial will be April 4, 2026, 2 p.m. in Dry Fork Cemetery, Vernal, Utah.
Donald Ray Stapleton: 1955 – 2026
Donald Ray Stapleton was born March 29, 1955, in Falls City, Nebraska to Raymond Lee and Lela Jean Stapleton. He passed away on April 7, 2026, in Casper, Wyoming and took his last breath in his GTO to the kingdom of our lord.
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Donald lived in Kansas, Nebraska and Utah but spent a majority of his life in Wyoming. While living in Big Piney he met the love of his life, the vivacious Belle Wassenberg. They were married on August 24, 1974, and celebrated 51 years together. On June 7, 1979, they were blessed with their son, Solomon Perry Stapleton.
He enlisted in the Army in 1972 and was trained as a mechanic. Don had a variety of different career choices from rough neck to roustabout, lawn care, garbage collection, custodial, was a jack-of-all trades and a master of several.
In his leisure time he enjoyed the outdoors going rock hounding, four-wheeling, ghost town exploring and back roading. Don loved working on vehicles, especially classic muscle cars like his 1972 GTO. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR and was fortunate to attend a truck race in Las Vegas and a cup race in Atlanta. He was also a fan of football, basketball, baseball and the Olympics.
Don will be sorely missed for his sense of humor, generosity and tutelage of distressed children/people; i.e. Paddy Workman, Danny Bilbeisi and Joe and Donna Mae; that were welcomed into his home and became part of his family.
He is survived by his wife, Belle; sons, Sol and Dan; daughter-in-law, Andrea; grandsons, Ernie and Jude; brothers, Robert and Paddy; sister, Linda; half-sisters, Michelle and Cheryl; and many cousins, aunts and uncles and friends.
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May God speed him on his next journey…
Services will be held Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at First Christian Church at 10 a.m.
A Graveside Service will be held Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at Plainview Cemetery in Big Piney, Wyoming at 11 a.m.
BAR NUNN, Wyo. — Casper native Keenan Morgan recently announced his intention to run for the House District 58 seat, which is currently occupied by Rep. Bill Allemand.
Morgan is a fourth-generation Wyomingite. He went to school in Bar Nunn and Casper and is an alum of Casper College and the University of Wyoming.
“My family has been in America since before its founding, arriving on my mom’s side as pilgrims and on my dad’s side as slaves. Over time, my family landed in Wyoming,” Morgan said in his campaign statement. “I am proud of my Wyoming history and desire to stay. But this desire is becoming less common in our state as people leave seeking opportunities elsewhere, never to return.”
Morgan said that 60% of Wyoming’s young people choose to leave the state, citing a story from WyoFile.
“Young people leave often for one simple reason: they do not see leaders building a vision of Wyoming that includes them,” Morgan said. “They do not see young leaders looking out for them. They are driven away by a lack of educational and job opportunities, a sense of hopelessness, a lack of progress, and an increasingly divisive political landscape.”
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Morgan said that, despite that, he chooses to stay in Wyoming because he believes what is possible for the state.
He also provided a list of tenets he said Wyomingites collectively hold.
We all share the same values and the same vision for our state:
We believe in freedom, opportunity, justice, and equality.
We all want success for our families and our community.
We understand that we must lift each other up instead of beat each other down.
We know that people need ready-access to the care and services they need.
We know that prices are too high and our government seems incapable of accountability.
We believe in fostering economic diversity and innovation in Wyoming.
We understand that in Wyoming, we have to protect public education, public lands, and access to opportunities for youth.
We believe in autonomy, protecting public institutions, ensuring integrity in government, and always putting Wyoming First and moving Wyoming Forward.
– Morgan’s campaign statement
Morgan called this series of beliefs the Wyoming vision and said that representation across the state is struggling to lead with this vision, which is something he’s trying to change.
“My name is Keenan Morgan and I’m running for House District 58 because I believe in empowering a new generation to put Wyoming First and move Wyoming Forward,” he said. “We need a Wyoming vision of progress, principles, and passion in politics.”
Morgan said he believes in listening to the community, fighting for people-centered solutions, accountability and looking out for those in the community who are struggling.
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“I recognize that issues are rarely simply black and white, and understanding nuance is required to make real change last,” he said. “That is why I believe in telling the truth as I understand it — always.”
Morgan said he’s committed to working on lasting solutions that move the state forward, rather than relying on buzzwords and empty promises. He said he believes in practical leadership, which is what real representation looks like.
“I am asking for your support in this race not because I think we will agree on 100% of the issues 100% of the time — that’s an unrealistic and dishonest expectation — but instead because I promise to always look out for your interests by putting Wyoming First and Wyoming Forward,” Morgan said. “Every time. Decisions are made by those who show up. Whether or not you decide to vote for me in this race, if elected, I will always do what is right for you.”
Bar Nunn Mayor Peter Boyer is also running for House District 58.
LARAMIE, Wyo. — A Colorado resident died April 2 in a two-vehicle crash near Laramie.
According to reports from Wyoming Highway Patrol, one driver was northbound on US 287, while another motorist was approaching from the south. Shortly before 7:50 pm., the northbound vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic and struck the other car in a glancing, head-on collision near milepost 415.
After the drivers collided, the southbound car left the road to the right, tripping and rolling before coming to rest in a ditch. The other vehicle left the road to the right and came to an uncontrolled rest.
Killed in the wreck was 36-year-old Colorado resident David Foote. One other person was injured, WHP reports.
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This story contains preliminary information as provided by the Wyoming Highway Patrol via the Wyoming Department of Transportation Fatal Crash Summary map. The agency advises that information may be subject to change.
Debra Moerke spent some time on Wyoming’s morning radio talk show, Wake Up Wyoming, with Glenn Woods, to talk about a new, safe haven for single mothers in the Cowboy State.
The McKenzie Home will provide a safe haven and essential resources, empowering single mothers to gain stability, achieve independence, and build a bright, self-sufficient future for their children.
The McKenzie Home is a supportive residential community dedicated to single mothers. They offer the tailored programs and skills development necessary to secure affordable housing, increase job readiness, and break the cycle of instability.
You can listen to the radio interview below.
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The mission of The McKenzie Home is to provide single mothers with a home and a program with access to resources, skills, and support needed to enable them to become successful parents and contributing members of their community.
Women who find themselves as a single parent often fall between the cracks in our society, with little support or help to become strong and independent. Many times, they will turn to unhealthy alternatives, putting themselves and their children in jeopardy. The McKenzie Home gives them a safe place to live, while providing that essential support toward a healthy, productive life.
Debra Moerke From McKenzie Home websiteDebra Moerke From McKenzie Home website
McKENZIE’S STORY. Born of a single mom and adopted into a loving family, McKenzie was a warm and fun-loving little girl. At the age of five, she lost her fight against childhood cancer. While visiting McKenzie’s memorial site in Green River, Wyoming, her grandmother, Debra Moerke, felt drawn to a nearby historical elementary school.
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After the building was gutted by a fire, Moerke was given a vision to bring the landmark back to life by restoring a community treasure and creating a transitional home for single moms in need of a new start.
McKenzie Home websiteMcKenzie Home website
MEET THE TEAM. The McKenzie Home enjoys the support and expertise of a Board of Directors, an Extension of the Board housed in Green River, and an Advisory Board. Meet them here.
