John "Dale" Leatham

   John “Dale” Leatham, 74, of Casper, Wyoming, passed away on May 17, 2024, in Denver, CO.

   Dale Leatham was born in Logan, Utah, to Louis Halverson Leatham and Roma Pitcher Leatham on January 13, 1950. After his parents passed away when he was two years old, he was welcomed into the family of Dennis and Joy Pitcher. He graduated from Skyview High School in 1968 and pursued higher education on a scholarship. Dale worked for Alaska Airlines, Western Airlines, Delta Air Lines, World Wide Travel, and SkyWest Airlines before dedicating himself full-time to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection as an officer at Casper-Natrona County International Airport, a role he held since 1975.

   He had a passion for hunting, fishing, garage sales, gardening, and traveling. He took immense joy in supporting his children and grandchildren in their endeavors. Known for his thoughtfulness, kindness, generosity, and selflessness, Dale was always ready to assist others, no matter the task, place, or time. He treated all the neighborhood kids and his children's friends as if they were his own. He cultivated enduring friendships, some spanning over five decades, throughout his life and during his time at  U.S. Customs. Dale enjoyed entertaining everyone he met with his many stories and jokes. He had a “green thumb”. There wasn’t a plant that he couldn’t save. He was our Sunday morning short order cook for family and anyone who wanted to show up. His Wyoming Chocolate Cake showed up at many occasions.

   Dale was an active member of various organizations including the YMCA Board, Make-A-Wish Board, Airport Board, Wyoming Animal Damage Management Board, and Safari Club Board. He donated 38 gallons of blood during his lifetime.

   He is survived by his wife, Noreen Gelok Leatham; son, John Leatham (Tyler, Amber); daughter, Heather and Steve Cutler (Kyndle, Krysten); daughter, Melanie and Mike Loscher; daughter, Rachel and Markus Bergman (Magnus, Sven, Mina, Lars, Odin); daughter, Becky Leatham; and son, Luke Leatham. He is also survived by his sisters, Karol Matthews, Jan Anderson, Mary Rogers, and brothers, Louis Leatham, Terry Pitcher, John Pitcher, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Roma Leatham, and Dennis and Joy Pitcher, as well as brothers, Ken Pitcher and Larry Leatham.

   The Graveside Service will take place on May 24, 2024, at Highland Cemetery in Casper, Wyoming. A Celebration of Life will be held on July 13, 2024, at 4:00 PM, at the Observation Deck in the Casper-Natrona County International Airport. Join us as we gather to honor and commemorate the remarkable life of Dale, reflecting on his profound influence on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Donations can be made to Make-A-Wish.