WHEATLAND – A graveside service for Donald Rae Fancher, 99, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 27, 2019 at the Wheatland Cemetery in Wheatland, Wyoming with The Reverend Jill Zimmerschied officiation and a reception to follow at the HR Ranch.
Donald Fancher passed away Thursday, July 4, 2019 at the Platte County Legacy Home in Wheatland.
Donald was born April 30, 1920 in Cheyenne, Wyoming the son of Arthur B. and Ruth (Mitchell) Fancher.
In summary of his life, as a child he experienced an earthquake in Long Beach. The ground shook, mason jars fell from their shelving, and oil derricks burst into flames. His mother, Ruth, was more shocked at the colorful language being issued from her “little Donni” than the ensuing natural disaster.
Donald never ceased to be colorful nor surprising. Upon his return to the HR Ranch on the North Laramie as young teenager, he was put to work under big Wyoming skies.
Donald’s strong work ethic and ornery ways flourished on the ranch, especially under the watch of his Uncle Boy and grandfather George Mitchell. His playful and ornery legacy lives on with all whom he graced.
Donald was very caring of others, as was evident when he stayed out of high school for one year to nurse his mother back to health. During his years at Wheatland High School he was a standout athlete, earning the moniker “Never Say Die Donnie.” Additionally, he boxed often, sometimes sanctioned, sometimes not. His athleticism persisted into adulthood making him the king of diving boards, “dog piles,” airplane spins, and “collar bone drills.”
Donald served in the United States Army Air Corps during WWII building runways in the Aleutian Islands; he also served in Okinawa. Upon returning from the Great War, he married his sweetheart Shirley “SJ”. They lived and raised their son, Rand, in Denver.
Donald had a long and distinguished career at the Colorado Department of Transportation.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Fancher (nee Fish), of Denver, Colorado; son, Donald Rand Fancher, of Denver; sisters, Anne Fancher of Long Beach, California, and Margaret Fancher of Wheatland, Wyoming.
He is survived by two grandchildren, Gabriel Fancher, Wheatland, and Hana Fancher of Saguache, Colorado.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the https://www.volunteer.va.gov/apps/VolunteerNow/default.aspor to the https://www.denverchildrenshome.org/would be appreciated by the family.
The Gorman Funeral Homes – Platte Chapel of Wheatland are in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gormanfh.com.
