Verne Hamlin

Verne Allen Hamlin passed away peacefully at his home on October 7, 2016. He was born to Verne Albert Hamlin and Virginia Maxine (Alysworth) Hamlin on November 11, 1937 in Natrona County Memorial Hospital in Casper. His first home was a trailer on the South Fork of Powder River where his father was employed by the Wyoming State Highway Department. He attended Willard School and graduated form Natrona County High School. He went to the University of Wyoming receiving a Bachelor's of Science in Education and he received a Master's Degree in History from the University of Northern Colorado. During the Cold War and early Viet Nam era he served as a First Lieutenant, Surface to Air Missile Unit Commander, Headquarters battery, 56th Artillery Brigade (Air Defense), Ft. Banks, Winthrop, MA. He met Patricia Spargur (Hamlin) his wife of 54 years, at Natrona County High School. They married and settled in Lander, WY. Together they had two children, Laurel D. Hamlin-Lebar and Matthew B. Hamlin. The family lived in Wyoming and Idaho when he began his career with the federal government. Finally making their home in Westminster, CO for 27 years. Verne enjoyed the beauty of Colorado and Wyoming spending time off hiking, camping or skiing with his family. He enjoyed playing tennis and softball. He especially loved watching his son play baseball and skiing every weekend with his children. He retired from the federal government as the Associate Regional Administration, Health Care Financing Administration, Denver, Colorado. After which he and Patricia moved to his beloved Casper, Wyoming. For many years following, Verne enjoyed making memories with his family at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel, The Cowboy Café and Branding Iron Inn in Dubois, The Virginian Hotel in Medicine Bow, The Goose Egg Inn in Casper and Fort Diablo Saloon and Steakhouse in Glenrock. He loved spending time fishing and hiking with his grandchildren. Verne was a consummate storyteller and keeper of historical facts. He loved to share his stories and interests with all who would listen. He was a member of the Natrona County Pioneer Association, the Wyoming State Historical Society, the American Legion and the Cowboy Joe Club. He was also a member of Phi Alpha Theta, national honorary society, the University of Wyoming Alumni Association and he was a Life Loyal member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity alumni association. Survivors include his wife Patricia, daughter Laurel D. Hamlin-Lebar, son-in-law Michael K. Lebar, son Matthew B. Hamlin, grandchildren Elizabeth C. Lebar, Rebecca M. Lebar William Hamlin Lebar, Michaela A. Hamlin, Chandler B. Hamlin, Chase A. Hamlin, Kaleb Nehring. Also Heidi Nehring Hamlin. Private memorial services will be held on October 14, 2016. Internment will take place at Highland Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the Central Wyoming Hospice or the American Legion Baseball Program. The family would like to thank Central Wyoming Hospice for their expert care and loving-kindness. Bustard's Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.