FRANCIS ANDREW BULAWA
Francis Andrew Bulawa Jr., 78, of Newcastle, Wyoming, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his beloved family, on March 13, 2025.
Born on March 21, 1946, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Dr. Francis and Loretta Bulawa, Fran was raised in Norfolk, Nebraska, and graduated from Burns Catholic High School. He attended Colorado State University and graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. In September of that same year, after seven years of courtship, he married the love of his life, Sandy Lord, beginning a 56-year journey of love and togetherness. They were blessed with two sons, Bryan and Brett.
Fran’s career with Shell Oil Company took them to several locations across the country, including Denver, Colorado, Godfrey, Illinois, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Midland, Texas, back to Denver, Gillette, Wyoming, and Mount Vernon, Washington. Fran retired in 1999 after a distinguished career as a human resources manager.
Upon retirement, Fran and Sandy embarked on a two-and- a-half-year adventure traveling across the country in their fifth-wheel trailer, searching for the perfect place to spend their golden years. Their hearts were drawn to Newcastle where they put down roots, and Fran became an active member of the community, serving on the Weston County Planning Board and the Finance Council at Corpus Christi Catholic Church.
Fran was an avid outdoorsman, passionate about hunting, fishing, and downhill skiing. He enjoyed reloading his own ammunition and riding four-wheelers, making the most of his time in the great outdoors. One of his greatest joys was traveling in their RV, spending winters in Texas for 12 years. He also had a love for playing Texas Hold ‘Em and reading, always expanding his knowledge. In addition to his many hobbies, Fran was a devoted NFL fan with a passion for the Denver Broncos. He never missed a game and took great joy in cheering on his team.
Fran’s family was his pride and joy. He is survived by his loving wife, Sandy; sons, Bryan (Michelle) of Timnath, Colorado, and Brett (Dustine) of Houston, Texas; grandsons, Ross of Laramie, Wyoming, Grant of Meridian, Idaho, and Drew of St. Petersburg, Florida; granddaughters, Bayli of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Remi Bullock (Talon) and great-grandchildren Rory and Stratton of Cheyenne, Wyoming.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew him for his kindness, generosity, wit, and unwavering dedication to his family and community. Fran’s legacy of love, adventure, and faith will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace.
A vigil will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, with funeral service following at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Newcastle.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Cancer research or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Isburg Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1380 Sundance, WY 82729 or expressions of sympathy can also be made online at fidlerisburgfuneralchapels.com.