Bill Eichelberger

"Bill" Van Eichelberger, age 62, succumbed to cancer's final argument on November 28, 2010. Bill was the son of William (Ray) Rafael Eichelberger and Marian Doris (Ash) Eichelberger. Bill's son, William Dawson Eichelberger, along with Dana and Loren Berg, and many friends, will celebrate and honor Bill's life and accomplishments on December 28, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at a memorial service to be held at the Gillette Memorial Chapel, in Gillette, Wyoming, with Pastor Gordon Harper of Vinyard Christian Fellowship Church officiating. Military honors will be presented by the American Legion Post #42. Bill was born on October 28, 1948, in Denver, Colorado, where he attended his earliest educational years and graduated from high school in 1966. He served in the United States Army from 1969-1972, received the National Defense Service Medal & Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged and remained in the Army Reserve until 1974. Bill attended the University of Colorado, Boulder, and received Bachelor of Arts-Geography in 1974. In 1977, he received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Wyoming and was later admitted to the Wyoming State Bar, Colorado State Bar, and 10th Circuit of Appeals. In the years spanning 1980-2010, Bill held the positions of associate attorney in private practice; Fremont County Deputy County Attorney; Assistant United States Attorney with the Department of Justice in Wyoming; Fremont County & Prosecuting Attorney; Assistant General Counsel & Director of Operations, Veterans Independent Enterprises of Washington; and most recently, Campbell County Deputy County & Prosecuting Attorney in Gillette, Wyoming. Bill returned to Wyoming in 2004, to be closer to his son and to enjoy the beauty of the state. Bill is remembered for his deep compassion and lifelong friendships with Mrs. Helga Downing and her son Frank, both of Fort Worth, Texas, his endless reading, knowledge of military history, rock hounding, landscape and museums visits. Often called "Eich" by his friends and co-workers, he was known for his clever wit, good humor, kind-heartedness, and generosity. Bill was always willing to lend a hand and was an excellent mentor and teacher of the law. He has proudly served in many honorable capacities and shall be greatly missed.Bill is preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his son, William Dawson EichelbergerA memorial in his name has been established to benefit the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program in Gillette. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716 or condolences via the internet at www.gillettememorialchapel.com.Funeral Home:Gillette Memorial Chapel210 West Fifth Street Gillette, WYUS 82716