Bill was born in Douglas Wyoming to George Jackson and Stella Graves and grew up on a small ranch SW of town. He and his siblings attended country schools, where for several years their mother was their teacher, then in High School he moved into town and lived with the Larry Heimsoth family and his sister Maria. He was captain of the football team and graduated from Converse County High then enlisted and went directly into the army. He spent his Military years in Germany travelling and competing throughout Europe with the rifle team.
When he came home, he went to work in the oil fields for a while but preferred construction. He worked for Knisely Moore construction for several years, during that time, he met Lavina Griffitts of Douglas, they married in 1961, were married for 62 years and had 2 children, Brenda and Billy.
Bill worked in construction then went to work in the Uranium mines, mostly Shirley Basin, before going to work for Don Galles Construction. He worked for various companies before going to work for Lower and Co., where he worked from operator to superintendent. In the early 80’s, he and his sister and brother purchased the Eden Bar in Eden, WY. After selling the bar, in 1989 Bill went back into construction working for Casper Concrete, now Knife River. He worked for them up until he retired and then continued to work for them for a few months each year. When he wasn’t working construction in the summer, he along with his son and best friend Billy, worked together thinning trees for the Forest Service and BLM. He loved the outdoor life and lived all winter preparing for the next summer.
Bill was diagnosed with cancer in 1995, he fought hard to beat the enemy but on June 4th 2024, his Mothers’ birthday, he lost the battle. He was at home with family when he passed.
Bill is survived by his Wife Lavina, Daughter Brenda, Son Billy, Brother George, Grandchildren-Tanner, Veronica, George and Ashley, Great Grandson (Will), and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in Death by his Father George, Mother Stella, Sister Maria (Cora), Brothers Richard, Lee and Delbert, Half-brother Herman, and Half-sister Ruth. Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be held at Basic Church 719 E 3rd St, Evansville WY, August 9th at 1:00 pm with military honors following. A celebration of life party will be held at the Eagles’ Hall (306 N Durbin @2:30) following the service. No flowers please, maybe plant a tree in his memory.
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