Elvin Jesse Mayer

Elvin Jesse (EJ) Mayer, age 85, of Rozet, Wyoming, passed away at his home surrounded by his loved ones on August 23, 2024. E.J. was born January 1, 1939, to Ralph and Etta “Faye” Mayer on a farm in Nemaha County, Kansas, then moved to Rawlins, Wyoming, at the age of four. He graduated in 1957 from Rawlins High School where he excelled in track and field, and was a state champion numerous years in hurdles and high jump. After graduation, he joined the National Guard for two years before enlisting in the US Navy. After high school he married Judy Hansen and had three sons: Mike, Miles, and Mark. After 8 years they divorced. While in the Navy, he received the Navy Achievement and Navy Commendation, the highest peacetime awards. He served three tours in Vietnam and sat on the Cuban Blockade. He was one of the first to be part of the US Naval Nuclear Power Program. He and his family were stationed in Scotland his last two years in the Navy when he then retired in 1978, as an E8 Senior Chief Machinist Mate. He had been stationed all over the world. While at home on leave in 1966, he met the love of his life Virgina “Cindy” Halsell. They were married shortly after in Reno, Nevada. Their marriage produced three daughters Aimee, Gail and Joy. After retirement from the Navy, they moved to Baggs, Wyoming, and lived there for 25 years. During that time, he played many important roles in the community. He built the Homestead Garage, volunteered as a fireman, was active in the Lion’s Club, was the maintenance and bus director for the school district, a Deputy Sheriff, and worked in the oil field. They made so very many lifelong friends in the valley. After retirement, EJ and Cindy moved to Thermopolis, Wyoming, to be closer to family. While in Thermopolis, they were the life of the neighborhood, making cherished lifelong friendships. After watching their Thermopolis grandkids through most of their school years they began their next adventure. They moved to Rozet, Wyoming, in 2016 and learned about a new sporting event as they watched their Rozet grandchildren compete in rodeo. Watching his grandchildren compete in their sporting events was the highlight of his retirement. During the last year of his life, he was fortunate enough to have his daughter Gail and sister-in-law Dorothy move in. He also enjoyed his many beloved pets. EJ was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Faye Mayer, brother Ronald Mayer, brother Lyle Mayer and sons Miles and Mike Mayer. He is survived by his wife Cindy, son Mark, and daughters Aimee (Eric) Kay, Gail Mayer, and Joy (Joe) Sheehan, 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Also included as family are his very close friends Dave and Cathy Eddy of South Dakota. There will be a private family service followed by a Celebration of Life planned on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at the Savery Museum in Savery, Wyoming, at 12:30 pm. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Walker Funeral Home 410 S Medical Arts Court, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at www.walkerfuneralgillette.com