William Earl Willson

William Earl Willson, age 89, of Gillette, Wyoming passed away Thursday, May 19, 2011 at Close to Home Hospice after a battle with cancer. A private family service will be held at a later date.Mr. Willson was born on July 28, 1921, the son of Earl and Beatrice (Chittim) Willson. He was born and raised in Hulett, Wyoming and graduated from Hulett High School in 1939 before joining the military and serving his country in W.W.II. After his discharge from the military William came back to Hulett and Married his true love Elvira (Hero) Willson on March 18, 1943. He worked in a saw mill for a short time before becoming a rancher in the Missouri Buttes. He ran his ranch from the late 1940s through the early 1970s. During this time he loved to hunt on the ranch and also ran guided hunting trips. The paying hunters helped greatly as a second income during lean times on the ranch and were also a source of enjoyment for William. He loved to be a part of his familys lives and especially enjoyed going to his childrens high school sporting events. Out of town games were always an event as William would load the car up with students and friends to make the road trips. He was also a big fan of the University of Wyoming Cowboys football. William appreciated the outdoors and was always very happy to be out fishing or hunting. After selling the ranch William moved his family to Powell, Wyoming before settling in Gillette in 2003. William was a wonderful husband, father and a good friend to many and will be missed very much by all that knew himWilliam is survived by his wife Elvira, sons: David (Jeanene)Willson of Glendale, Arizona and Edward Willson of Gillette, Wyoming; his daughter Vivian (Harry) Hayes of Gillette, Wyoming; sisters: Neil Ager of Hullet, Wyoming and Lois Laugh of Gillette, Wyoming; and also by four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildrenHe was preceded in death by his parents, daughter-in-law Michelle, and grandsons Christopher and Ryan Willson.Memorials will benefit Close to Home Hospice House. Memorials and condolences may be sent in Williams name in care of Walker Funeral Home at 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, Wyoming 82716 or condolences via our website to www.walkerfuneralgillette.com Funeral Home:Walker Funeral Home410 Medical Arts CourtGillette, WYUS 82716