William "Bill" R. Wimbish

William R (Bill) Wimbish, long-time Casper Landman, passed away on October 30, 2024 in Sun Lakes, Arizona after a life of 99 years well-lived. Bill, son of Forrest and Lois Kelly Wimbish, was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on June 9, 1925, but spent most of his childhood in Wichita, Kansas.

After his graduation from East High School in 1943, Bill enlisted in the Army Air Corps. Following basic training in Miami, Florida Bill had additional training assignments New York, Texas and Kansas, receiving his “wings” and his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. Although he was assigned to a B-29 crew, the war ended before they were deployed. He was separated from active duty in January 1946 but remained in the Air Force Reserves as a navigator at Tinker AFB, OK until 1950, only to be recalled in 1951 for assignment in Korea.

Bill graduated from Oklahoma University with a degree in Business Administration in 1950 and went to work for the Gulf Oil Corporation as a scout in the land department, and held Landman positions in Billings, MT, Casper, WY (twice), and Oklahoma City, OK. He retired from Gulf as Division Land Manager in June 1985.

He met the love of his life, Dama Ann Truett, while attending OU, and they were married on July 22, 1950, in Poteau, OK, and immediately moved to Billings, MT.

Dama preceded Bill in death in February 2023 after nearly 73 wonderful years together. He is survived by his children Dama (Terry) Matchett, Richard (Valley) Wimbish, James (Lori) Wimbish, John (Veronica) Wimbish, and Kelly (Tom) Marshall, ten grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and a beloved nephew Andrew (Kim) Westphal and their two daughters.

Bill was a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church and served in many leadership positions over the years. He was an avid skier for many years, enjoyed golf in Arizona, but most of all loved to travel around the world with Dama.

Bill was very outgoing and loved to visit with everyone, and strangers did not remain strangers very long! His first conversation when he met someone new generally revolved around their background, particularly where they grew up. He had such an amazing memory that in many instances he could find, even for some obscure locations, a common acquaintance. The last years of his life were spent at the Robson Reserve senior living center in Sun Lakes, Arizona where he was constantly making new friends.

A memorial service for William will be held Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 2:00 PM Valley of the Sun Mortuary, 10940 East Chandler Heights Rd, Chandler, AZ 85248.

In lieu of flowers remembrances can be made to Cathedral Home for Children, 4989 N. 3rd Street, Laramie, WY or St Francis Ministries, 110 W Otis Ave, Salina, KS 67401.