Leroy Joseph DeTavernier, age 76, was born in Sheridan, WY on April 20, 1948 to the late Victor and Annie (Bocek). He attended Holy Name School and Sheridan

High School. He enlisted in the Navy for 4 years, being honorably discharged in 1969.

He began working at the VAMC in Sheridan as an electrician, retiring after 35 years. On July 26, 1970, he married his sweetheart Rosita at Holy Name Catholic Church and celebrated 54 years together.

Leroy was an outdoor enthusiast. From camping to fishing, dirt biking, 4 wheeling, hiking, snowmobiling, canoeing, swimming & boating out at DeSmet, going up to Red

Grade in the side-by-side or Jeep, and of course, riding the Harleys. If it had a motor, he had it & shared that passion with his kids & grandkids. He enjoyed family time and was known for his “sweet tooth”! He had his stash and only certain ones knew about it!

Dad was big on getting a good education and both his kids and grandkids received degrees.

He is survived by his wife and their children: Vicki (BJ) Anderson of Ashland, MT, grandson Theodore (Bozeman) and granddaughter Rnea Redbird (Williston,

ND); Brian & Pam of Cheyenne, WY, granddaughters Heather (Nick) Montano of Laramie, and Shawnie of Cheyenne; Daniel of Sheridan; 3 great-grandchildren: Jeets, Bentley & Ariana; 3 godchildren: John (nephew) & Annette (niece) DeTavernier and Synda Lewis and his “other kids” : Michelle Arnoux (Carson, Caroline, Evelyn) and Julie & Pete Medrano (Peytin, Karlei & Lylah, Jorie & Johnny).

He is survived by his brother Elmer “Pickel” (Linda) & nephews: Ed (Kandy), Bret, Shawn (Tanya); Nephew Kenny Jr (Polly).His in-laws: Jolene Ekis, Maxine, Mary, the

Solis crew: Carlos, Gilbert (Vangie, Brittany & girls), John (Georgean), Jeff (Julian Hiwalker), Steve (Leslie, T-ray AKA T-rex) & Mary (Rhiannon, William, Chance & Richard Cummins); Betty (Ronny) Big Lake (Josie, Julius, & he late Ron Jr), Leah Bixby (Chuck & Anna Flute, Joaquin & Jenny).

Nephews/Nieces: Tina (Jake) Evans, Ira Lefthand, Jr, Jennifer (Kenny) Spotted, Nicole Lefthand, Josephine & Jose Bad Bear; Jared Solis, Danielle, Jesse, Jessica,the late Dawn Castro. His cousins who were like brothers/sisters growing up: Clifford (Beverly) Gorzalka, Oscar (Camille) Rucki, Jim & Sarge Bocek, Patsy (Earl) McKay, Jeannie (Kenny) Bettcher, Dale Ann Miller, Connie Perry, Sandy Bocek and Sherry Legerski. And lastly, some special people in life: Bob & Liz Lewis, Ron Kukal, Ted Bogus, and Richard Smith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Theodore, Kenneth, and John; his uncles Paul, John, Joe & Frank Bocek & Tony Gorzalka; his aunts Helen Rucki, Stella Gorzalka, and Betty Bocek; his father & mother-in-law Joseph & Josephine (Littlemouth) Solis; his brother-in-laws James Ekis, Joe Solis; sister-in-laws Juanita Lefthand & Delores Medicine Horse.

Our family is large and we apologize if we missed anyone. The family would like to take this opportunity to thank the amazing staff of the VA Medical Center, with special thanks to Faith Cole & Mikki Matthews. We also would like to thank the YMCA staff & the use of their facilities and everyone who took care of dad. We will always be forever grateful.

Thank you and God bless.

In Loving Memory Leroy Joseph DeTavernier

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A viewing will be held at Kane Funeral Home on Saturday November 2 at 9:30 am, followed by a rosary at 10:30 am, and services with military honors will be followed at 11:00 am,  Internment will take place at the Juniper Heights Section in the Sheridan Municipal cemetery. Reception to follow at Kane Reception Hall.

Online condolences may be written at https://www.kanefuneral.com.

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