WHEATLAND – Melvin Dean Whinery, 85, passed away Monday, January 8, 2018 at the Platte County Memorial Hospital in Wheatland, Wyoming after a short illness. A celebration of life was held Saturday, January 13, 2018 at the Platte County 4-H building in Wheatland with a prayer and eulogy by Harold Rumsey. A lunch was enjoyed by a large group of friends and family. He will be buried at a later date.
Dean Whinery was born October 1, 1932 in Wheatland, Wyoming the son of Albert Glen and Elizabeth Ellen (Gillam) Whinery.
Dean began working at the age of 6 years of age sweeping up at the blacksmith shop where his father worked, then did much of the iron work and welding in his father’s shop while going to school. Upon graduation he worked full time at the shop, and ran the projection booth at the Ramona Theater in the evening. He also filled in as a manager of the theater when needed.
He married Loretta Blodgett on January 22, 1954 in Wheatland. He was drafted into the United States Army in January of 1955 and served two years of active duty, all stateside in Fort Ord, California and Fort Benning, Georgia. He returned to Wheatland and rejoined his father in the blacksmith shop where he worked until starting at the local Post Office as clerk/carrier. He advanced in job ranks to become a Superintendent of Postal Operations. He retired at the age of 62, however returning back as a substitute rural carrier for a while.
Dean and family became involved in an auto body repair shop. He was active in the repair and restoration of vehicles of customers and also restored some older collectable cars and trucks. The shop was also contracted to do some camouflage on trucks returning from Desert Storm.
He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman and cared very much for the welfare of the land, the flag, and all the factors of this country he loved. He was a collector of guns, coins, stamps, and was talented in woodworking as well.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Glen Whinery and Elizabeth (Gillam) Whinery; daughter, Kathryn “Kathy” Fisher on April 7, 2013; granddaughter, Skeeter Munn on January 12, 1977; and brother-in-law, Jim Coulter.
He is survived by his wife, Loretta Whinery of Wheatland; sons, Darrel (Lori) Whinery and Stacy Whinery both of Wheatland; son-in-law, Randy Fisher; sisters, Mary Ann (George) Riley of Beallsville, Ohio, June Coulter of Casper, Wyoming, and Glenda (Freddie) Goetz of Wheatland; grandchildren, Lacie, Dolly, Brandon, Shilo, Tiffany, Samantha, Jamie, and Glen; and fourteen great grandchildren.
For several years he owned a few horses and these were a great joy to him. He loved and enjoyed working and playing with animals and most returned the caring. His kindness and caring will be missed by the many friends and family left behind. He treasured the time spent with family and friends during work or play.
A memorial to the Ora Call American Legion Post #10, in care of Darryl Curry, PO Box 382, Wheatland, Wyoming 82201 would be appreciated by his family.
Gorman Funeral Homes – Platte Chapel were in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences can be sent to the family at www.gormanfh.com.
