Hal Wayne Worthen

Hal Wayne Worthen, 80, passed away on the evening of Monday, March 24, 2025, at the Wyoming Medical Center in Casper, Wyoming, of pneumonia and complications of a stroke. Wayne passed peacefully, among his family and friends.

Funeral services begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 29 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2903 Allen Ave. in Gillette. A viewing is from 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 28 at the same location.

Wayne was born Feb. 15, 1945, in Price, Utah, the beloved son of Hal and Beula Worthen, and grew up surrounded by his siblings, Lynda, Shannon, Jennifer, Bonna, and Tom.

Wayne’s formative years were spent on a ranch in Emery County, Utah. As a junior in high school in Quincy, Washington, Wayne met his fellow traveler in life, Sandra Eileen Reed. Their marriage began in Spokane, Washington, followed by a temple wedding in the Cardston, Alberta Temple, while on their honeymoon.

Together, Wayne and Sandra traveled the world and shared many adventures and unique experiences, and brought back many a story about their travels. Wayne and Sandra built a life filled with love, shared experiences, and an appreciation for the world around them. Wayne was a devoted father to his children, Susan, Bob, Brian and Greg, who were his greatest pride.

A man of many passions, Wayne was a skilled hunter, snowmobiler, and horseman. His love of the outdoors was rivaled only by his love of the skies — he mastered frequent flier programs with the same enthusiasm he brought to everything else in life. His travels took him across the globe, where he cultivated friendships that spanned continents. Wayne never met a stranger — his warmth, humor, and likability left a lasting impact on everyone he encountered.

Wayne volunteered his time to Boy Scouts and spent several years helping FEMA working on hurricane and flood relief efforts. He loved to teach others about geocaching and traveled the world finding geocaches in the most interesting places, logging more than thirty-six thousand geocaches.

A proud veteran, Wayne served his country with honor in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. His time in the service instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for camaraderie and the value of global connections.

Wayne’s life was one of curiosity, deep devotion to his family and friends, and an unyielding passion for the things he loved. A natural entrepreneur, he started a small transportation business that, through his vision and dedication, grew into a thriving transport and tour company. His ability to connect with people and his relentless work ethic turned his business into more than just a livelihood — it became a way for him to share his love of travel and experiences with others. He cared deeply for his employees and became lifelong friends with many of them.

He will be remembered for his generous spirit, his love of storytelling, and his unwavering loyalty to those he held dear. Though he is no longer with us, his memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family wants to express our gratitude to Wayne’s special caregiver and friends, Mary Green, Samantha Worthen, Sari Bingham and Ruthie Newton, as well as the caring staff at Primrose and Kindred Souls. We are grateful for the caregivers and friends who have helped Wayne over the years.

Wayne is survived by Sandra, his loving wife of 60 years; sons, Brian (Nikki) Worthen, Greg (Dana) Worthen, Bob (Rebecca) Thai; daughter, Susan (Ken) Tsai-Schor; siblings, Lynda Crow, Jennifer Warwick, Shannon (Jose) Hernandez, Tom (Gaylen) Worthen and Bonna Worthen. Wayne adored his grandchildren, Cory (Samantha) Worthen, Callista (Christian) Castillo, Tierney (Travis) Moe, Zoë Worthen and Corran Worthen; and also loved spending time with his four great-grandchildren.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Hal and Beula; and brothers-in-law, Elmer Crow and Mike Warwick.

Memorials may be made to the Rockpile Museum in Gillette or to a favorite Veteran's support group.