EUGENE SWEET
Oct. 14, 1937–May 7, 2024
Eugene Sweet, age 86 of Gillette, Wyoming, died Tuesday May 7, 2024, at Lasting Legacy, from cancer.
Eugene was born on Oct. 14, 1937, at home on Wohlbrandt Ranch near Upton, Wyoming, to Cecil and Dorothy (Watt) Sweet.
Eugene was the first grandchild and the oldest of five siblings: Lee, Robert, Neil, and Marilynn. He went to school in Upton, graduating in 1956.
Eugene married his soulmate, Sharon (Tate) on Oct. 4, 1958, in Newcastle. Eugene and Sharon had three children, Toni Renee, Donna Lee, and Cecil Eugene “Butch.”
Eugene worked for Bruch’s Auto Body and Salvage in Newcastle. He then started working for Schlumberger in Newcastle, was transferred to Miles City, Montana, for two years, and relocated to Gillette in 1969. At one time the Gillette location closed, and he continued working for Schlumberger in Casper, Wyoming, traveling back and forth to Gillette.
He dedicated his life to his family. A very hard worker, providing for his family was his first priority. On many of his days off he would head back to the family ranch east of Upton to lend a helping hand or just to visit.
Eugene loved the ranch and thought of it as a second home. After retiring from Schlumberger, he worked for Kissack’s Oil and Well Services from 1996 to 2009. With each different employment he made acquaintances and lifelong friends. While employed he mostly worked as a mechanic and enjoyed tinkering on cars or working on vehicles of family and friend.
Eugene came from a family of storytellers; much time was spent at the dinner table rehashing stories defining the family narrative. He had a gift of gab and never met a stranger. He and Sharon enjoyed watching Butch’s and later Brian’s ball games, camping, traveling, and gambling. Eugene’s other interests were bowling, arrowhead collecting, hunting, and fishing.
In 2012, his wife Sharon was diagnosed with dementia, and he was her primary caregiver for 10 years until her passing. He enjoyed family gatherings, especially Billy and Donna’s Fourth of July celebrations, and visiting with his siblings, Robert, Neil, and Marilynn. During his retirement he would spend his mornings at local establishments enjoying coffee and conversation with friends. He loved his coffee and always had a heated travel mug with him. Gene’s other passions were reloading, target shooting, perusing sporting good stores and gambling in Deadwood, South Dakota.
Eugene was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sharon; daughter, Donna Harris; two grandsons, Carl “Bud” Sweet and Brian Harris; niece. Christa Sweet Cavender; nephew, Clinton Patrick Sweet; and brother-in-law, Dan Overman.
He is survived by his four siblings, Lee (Patty) of Katy, Texas, Robert of Upton, Neil (Deb) of Newcastle, and Marilynn Overman of Gillette; daughter, Toni (Bruce) Coggeshall; son, Cecil “Butch” Sweet; son-in-law, Bill Harris; granddaughters, Amber Harris, and Jessica (Ty) Cunningham; grandsons, Kelsey (Kate) Sweet, and Adam Coggeshall; 11 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, and nephews.
Memorial services begin at 11 a.m. on July 10 at First Assembly of God Church, 601 Carey Ave, Gillette.
Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. Fifth St., Gillette, WY 82716.