DAVID LYLE DUTCHER
Sept. 5, 1948–Oct. 3, 2024
David Lyle Dutcher was born on Sept. 5, 1948, to Lyle Lewis and Evelyn Edna (Jahrig) Dutcher.
He died Oct. 3, 2024, at the age of 76.
He lived in Newcastle until the age of 10, when his family purchased a ranch near Cave Springs, north of Newcastle. His parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents all worked and resided in Weston County. On the ranch, you would find him scouring the hills and exploring the caves.
While in school, he was active in cross country and track, something he thoroughly enjoyed. He graduated from Newcastle High School in 1966 and worked the ranch and small sawmill with his family until 1968, when he entered the U.S. Army. Basic training was in Fort Bliss, Texas. He served in Korea and Okinawa, monitoring radar for Air Missile Defense during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1971.
Upon returning from military service, he continued working the ranch and sawmill with his father.
In 1979, he met his future wife and bonus son. He also became employed at Cambria Forest Products as an equipment operator. He started on the cherry picker, feeding logs through the debarker for a short time, then transferred to the log yard operating the 980 Caterpillar loader to supply the cherry picker and miscellaneous duties. He remained there as Pope & Talbot purchased the sawmill and continued with them until their
closing in 2000.
On Sept. 10, 1982, he married Donna Kay Colich. Three sons were born to this long-lasting union.
In 2001, David was hired by the State of Wyoming as a correctional officer with the Wyoming Honor Conservation Camp. Within a couple of years, he advanced in rank to corporal, then sargeant, and by the seventh year, lieutenant. He held that position until his retirement in December 2019. Even though he worked full-time, he also kept the ranch in operation, basically working two full-time jobs.
He was an avid hunter and stream fisher, and encouraged his sons to follow in his love for outdoor activities. All his sons were active in Boy Scouts and attained the rank of Eagle. Many times, he had to be the driver or a leader for campouts, hikes, and numerous activities. He did discover camping in a tent at -20 degrees was not his kind of fun, but he did it and never complained. He always took on responsibilities whole-heartedly, and while raising his family he also cared for his mother after the passing of his father.
He was a decent mechanic and repaired his own trucks, mostly out of necessity, as he always broke down in the worst weather, the biggest bog holes, and deepest crevasses in the county, and always miles from a garage. He tried to teach his sons the importance of being somewhat knowledgeable about emergencies. His middle son took the most interest in helping and was under the truck beside him. He was always trying to stay ahead of everything and plan for the future and many times he would be scratching his head, smoke billowing out his ears. When asked what the problem was, he would grumble and say he’ll figure it out, and was usually
successful. There was never a single day in 66 years he wasn’t at the ranch as there was always work to be
done — the definition of dedication and pride. We all have stories (and some truths) to tell!
He is survived in life by his wife of 42 years, Donna; his sons, Craig (Shannon) Dutcher of Casper, Wyoming, Wayne (Susanna) Dutcher of Newcastle,
and Bryce Dutcher of Laramie, Wyoming; his brother, Dennis (Kathy) Dutcher of Gillette, Wyoming; his grandchildren, Brady, Jackson, Corbin, and Alaina, all of Casper, Wyoming, and Raisa and Trent of Newcastle.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle
and Evelyn Dutcher; infant son, Kyle; and brother, Elbert Evans.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Please donate to your favorite charity if you wish to contribute.