Darrell LeLan Heptner

Funeral Service for Darrell L. Heptner will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday August 6, 2014 at Family Life Church with Pastor Dave Holland officiating in Gillette, WY. Burial will follow in Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Rozet, WY. Visitation will be 5:00p.m. To 7:00 p.m. Tuesday August 5, 2014 at Walker Funeral Home. Darrell L. Heptner, age 81, of Rozet, WY passed away at his home on August 1, 2014.Darrell Lelan Heptner was born May 22, 1933 in Rozet, WY to Oscar H. and Dorothy C. (Whisler) Heptner. He was raised on the family ranch in Rozet, WY. Darrell attended Rozet and Moorcroft schools where he was an active basketball player. He graduated from Moorcroft High School in 1952 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served from 1952 to 1956. Darrell served on the USS Essex an aircraft carrier and was honorably discharged in 1956. Upon his discharge he returned to Rozet, WY to work on the family ranch. In 1956 Darrell married Barbara Joy Edmison and to this union two daughters was born; Mary Catherine (Mary Kay) and Karri Dee (Deede). The couple later divorced. In 1966 he married Audrey Jean (Robing) Ridenour. She had a daughter Corina Sue, whom Darrell later adopted. They were married for 42 years until her passing. Darrell continued to work on the family ranch and also was a control operator at Wyodak Power Plant. He later retired and became a rancher fulltime. In 2010, Patricia Grace came into his life. She brought his smile back that many had missed. Patricia had four children Don, Mike, Andrea and Adrienne. Darrell was a proud member of the American Legion Post 42, Moose Lodge, VFW, and The Elks. Audrey and Darrell were also members of the Levi and Lace Square Dance Club for several years.He was an avid bowler and spent many years on a league in Moorcroft.His friends and family will all remember his sense of humor and kindness. They all knew that they could count on him for a fun party and he did participate in many of these. He will be greatly missed by all. Darrell is survived by his daughters Mary Kay (John) Jones of Rozet, WY; Deede Isham of Vernon, CT and Corina Allen of Gillette, WY; his loving companion Patricia Grace and her kids Mike (Billie) Whisler of Rozet, WY, Don (Denise) Whisler of Lewistown, MT, Andrea (Chad) Whisler of Casper, Wy; Adrienne Whisler of Las Vegas, NV; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was sad he was not going meet his new great grandson that had not been born yet. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.Proceeded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 42 years Audrey Robing.In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Darrell's name. Memorials and Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Walker Funeral Home 410 Medical Arts Court Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be sent via our website at: www.walkerfuneralgillette.comFuneral Home:Walker Funeral Home410 Medical Arts CourtGillette, WYUS 82716