Obituaries: Baker; Bratton; Minahan; Slater

Clifford “Duane” Baker: 1939 – 2024

Clifford “Duane” Baker, 84, of Mills, Wyoming passed away Sunday June 9, 2024.

He was born December 26, 1939, in Oak Creek, Colorado to Hilda Iola and Clifford Leon Baker.

Duane Graduated from Jackson County high school in 1957.

He married Evely Ruth Smith July 12,1963 they lived in Walden until 1976 when they moved to Shirley Basin, later they relocated to Casper in 1992.

Duane was an Operator for Pathfinder Uranium mine until he retired in 1992.

Some of his favorite things to do include: camping, fishing, vacationing at his father’s cabin, spending time with his grandkids playing cards, and working puzzles with them.

One of the most notable features of Duane was his hair that was always perfectly styled and remained full throughout his life.

Duane is survived by daughters, Julie (Randy) Likewise, and Robin Baker; sister, Karen (Don) Shupe; grandchildren: Krista, Derick, Thomas, Tawny, and Paige; great-grandchildren: Zayde, Brexlie, Luna, and Aurora.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford Leon and Hilda Iola; brothers, Russell, Lenny, and Larry; his wife, Evelyn; and daughter, Darleen.

The family had a private service June 13, 2024.

Randall James Bratton: 1962 – 2024

Randall (Randy) James Bratton, age 62, has finally sheathed his sword after a valiant and courageous battle against ALS over the last 10 years. Randy drew his final breath on a quiet evening at his home in Casper on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. He was surrounded by his family, friends, and some of his amazing care team. So many others had traveled to visit him during the weeks prior to his passing. Saying goodbye, while he was still able, was a priority for him. He did not fear dying so much but the thought of missing and leaving behind those he loved was difficult on him. That was textbook Randy, always caring for and protecting those he loved.

He was born on May 14,1962 to Richard and Alice Bratton in Newcastle, Wyoming and was the middle of three children: Richard (Dick) being the oldest and Beth, the youngest. He milked that birth placement card often throughout his upbringing, much to the chagrin of his siblings.

The Bratton family left Newcastle and resided in both Lead and Custer, South Dakota before returning to Newcastle, where Randy was educated from 4th grade through his graduation. The Class of 1980 was a cohesive bunch and provided many friendships for Randy, many that have been maintained over the years. He was easy to like and inclusive of all! The University of Wyoming brought Randy additional friendships, a chance to continue playing basketball, and a BS degree in Physical and Sedimentary Geology in 1987.

Traveling on the highway with Randy, one was exposed to the knowledge he gleaned at UW and there wasn’t a rock, ridge, or layer of sediment that he couldn’t define and talk incessantly about. He was easy to listen to and was so smart. Upon his degree completion, Randy was employed as a junior engineer and analyst by Wyodak Resources Development Corporation in Gillette, Wyoming (1990-1997). He was married in 1990 and became the proud father of sons, Jacob and Rhett, in 1993 and 1995, respectively. His sons forever changed him for the better and he dedicated his life to their wellbeing and development. To his last day, they were at the forefront of his continued fight. His integrity, his compassion, his loving heart, and his generosity are seeds he has planted within them.

From 1997-2007, Randy went to work for SGS North America Inc. as director of Western Operations, working out of both Gillette and later, near Denver (Parker, Colorado). The last leg of his career from 2007-2021, found him employed with T-T ranch LLC, Eastland Development, and Home Ranch Office LLC, all part of the McMurry Corporation. He managed four ranches and once said that he never felt like he worked a day in his life. He loved his job, found peace in the day to day responsibilities, and took great pride in his work. It did not hurt that his working colleague, Casey Davis, was a perfect match for Randy’s work ethic, humor, and dedication. It was a very sad day for Randy when he was unable to return to work but he was blessed near the time of his retirement with his two grandsons, Meyer (2020) and Owen (2022). As a Papa, he beamed when they visited and he showered them with love.

Randy was an avid outdoorsmen and he had so many adventures over the years hiking, golfing, hunting, and fishing with his best friends. He played in many Gold Medal basketball tournaments and had a twenty year career playing summer softball. He enjoyed lifting weights and being physically active and when the disease progression prohibited that, he grieved. Until he didn’t. He turned that grief into renewed energy. He lived each day with optimism, integrity, perseverance, and humor and he has won a place in God’s heavenly kingdom.

His amazing singing voice remained strong to the end, his knowledge of song lyrics impressed many, and his telling and retelling of his favorite jokes kept everyone groaning. His faith was unprecedented given his circumstance and with the help of his friends, unbelievable in-home care team, and hospice team, he was able to live out his life on his terms.

On Randy’s behalf, our family gives many thanks to Jacque, Holly, Heidi, Traci, Natasha, Beth, Michael, Victoria, Stephanie, and Chaplain Tami. We thank his amazing neighbors, Jennifer and Randy McIntyre, who helped Randy in far too many ways to list but he loved them dearly and appreciated their unconditional love and good watch over him. We also thank Martha and Kenny Decker, who came back into Randy’s life at just the right time, providing him many hours of conversation, companionship, love, and hours of care that he needed.

Randy is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Alice.

Family members that will live to carry on his legacy are son, Jake Bratton (Meghan) and grandsons Meyer and Owen; son, Rhett Bratton; brother, Dick Bratton (Lisa); sister, Beth Tocci (Larry); nephew, Richie Bratton (Megan) great nephew, Jax and great nieces, Dorothy and Frances; niece, Jessica Vega (Matt) and great niece Kaya; niece, Caitlin Craig (Mitch) and great niece Maris; niece, Mackenzie Bartsch; nephew, Shea Bartsch; and niece Sierra Bartsch.

Funeral services for Randy will be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, 10:00 a.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 710 E. 2nd St., Casper, Wyoming. Interment will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, Randy would want you to just spend key time loving your family and friends and give to a charity of your choosing.

James Dennis “Jim” Minahan: 1945 – 2024

James Dennis Minahan, 78, of Casper, Wyoming was called by our lord on Wednesday, June 5, 2024.

James Dennis Minahan was born August 27, 1945 in Graceville, Minnesota, the eighth of nine children to Gerald and Dorothy Minahan. He grew up and graduated from high school in Beardsley, Minnesota.

Jim’s dad ran a combining business, and Jim often helped his dad harvest crops. Even in high school Jim had a mechanical mind and built and drove race cars. After high school Jim joined the Air Force and while stationed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, worked in communications for the Foreign Technology Division. Jim met the love of his life, Ret Hughes, in a Top Secret vault and they were married for 56 years.

Jim and Ret were blessed with two children, James J. and Katherin. The family moved to Wyoming in 1970 where Jim worked for Control Data and in uranium mining at Jeffrey City. The family moved back to Casper, where Jim worked at Wyoming Machinery as a hydraulic mechanic for 23 years until his retirement.

Jim’s hobbies included woodworking, and hunting and fishing with his grandchildren and dear friends. Jim was a faith-filled man and volunteered for many improvement projects at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, including installing a sprinkler system, building several handmade wooden pieces; he helped remodel the kitchen in the rectory, built closets for the nuns in the cottage, a tabernacle stand, and an altar.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Helen Grimly, Alice Fridgen, and Margaret Seeley; sister-in-law, Jeanette Minahan; and brothers-in-law, Manny Fridgen, Byron “Tank” Thomas, Wayne Seeley; and Warren Weick.

He is survived by his wife, Ret; son, James J. (Charmin) Minahan; daughter, Katherin White; grandchildren: Justin White, Jessica White, and Caitlin Minahan; brothers, Patrick and Richard (Donna) Minahan; sisters: Lucy Thomas, Carol Weick, and Donna (Richard) Frisch; and friends; Jack and Donna Ekstrom.

Ret wishes to thank the Our Lady of Fatima family, especially: Deacon Ed McCarthy, Father Philip Vaske; Ferne Freiberg, Kay Jones, Mary McMains, and Kelly Kalinowski.

Memorial contributions can be made in Jim’s name to Saint Anthony Tri-Parish School, 1145 West 20th Street, Casper, WY 82604 or the Casper Humane Society, 849 East E Street, Casper, WY 82601.

Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 17, 2024 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 1401 CY Avenue, Casper, WY, 82604 with a reception following. Interment will be at Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery.