Robert A Deveny

Robert Allen DeVeny (Bob DeVeny)

March 26, 1927 – January 18, 2017

Bob was born on the family homestead north of Ft. Laramie, Wyoming, to Charlie and Bonnie DeVeny.  His family later moved to Clifty, Arkansas where he attended school.  In 1945 he joined the US Army, completed basic training at Camp Fannin in Tyler, Texas.  He served in WWII in the European Theater of Occupation in Berlin, Germany.   He was assigned to the Anti-Tank Destroyer Company, 79^th Infantry Division.  He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal and M1 Rifle Expert Badge.

He married Betty Lou Wolfe on April 11, 1948 in Springdale, Arkansas.   They moved to Wyoming in 1952.  Bob worked on ranches in Chugwater and Rock River during the 50’s-60’s.  He participated in the 100-year anniversary re-enactment of the Pony Express in 1960.   In 1963 he was awarded the “Top Hand Award” from the Platte County Grazing Association.   Bob & Betty moved to Jackson, in 1968.  He worked for Snake River Ranch and the 4 Lazy F Ranch.  He was known as The Willow Creek Cowboy.   He managed 300 head of cattle on summer range and fed cattle with a team of horses.  He helped with calving and branding and any job that needed to be done.  He also entertained summer guests at several  guest ranches in the area.

Bob & Betty purchased land on Log Hill Mesa in 1978.  Bob continued to work in Jackson until they built their home in 1981.   Bob had a small herd of cattle and trained over 200 horses.   When he wasn’t training horses, raising cattle, building fence, stacking hay, working on his land or writing a new song, you could find him singing at local events, weddings, cowboy poetry, Jim’s BBQ, The True Grit Café and The San Juan Guest Ranch.  He enjoyed entertaining and making people smile.   He also had a special love for kids.  He drove the Ridgway school bus for 13 years, the Log Hill route.  The students loved him and still talk about him today.

Bob was an amazing husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle, brother, neighbor and friend.  Bob made everyone feel special and touched so many people in his 89 years of life.  He lived his life to the fullest and made each day count.  He loved his family and was very proud of his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In September, 2016, Bob was inducted into the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame, which honored working cowboys with over 50 years in the saddle.   When presented with the award, he simply said, “I was just doing my job.”   He was very honored to receive the recognition.

Bob passed away peacefully at Colorow Care Center in Olathe, Colorado, where he was fondly known as “Cowboy”.   He will be missed by many.

Bob is survived by his wife of 68+ years, Betty Lou DeVeny, Ridgway, CO; his children –  Diana Raine, Montrose, CO; Cathy & Randy Blakeman, Gillette, WY; Duane & Karla DeVeny, Montrose, CO; Anita & Bob Posey, Ridgway, CO.

He is blessed with 9 grandchildren, Jason and Chad Raine, Rob Blakeman, Becky Barger, Lisa Dymond, Adam and Clay DeVeny, Paul and Jeff Delio, and 3 step grandchildren, Ashton, Logan and Lauren Posey.    He is also blessed with 15 great-grandchildren!

He is survived by his brother, Delmar DeVeny, La Barge, WY and sister, Eloise Graves, Kennewick, WA.   He is preceded in death by his parents, Charlie & Bonnie DeVeny, brother, Dan DeVeny, sister, Rena Mae McCorkle and sister, Sally Rogers.

MEMORIAL SERVICE:  SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2017 at 11:00 a.m.

First Presbyterian Church, 1840 E. Niagara, Montrose, CO

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the Ouray County Rodeo Association/Jimbo Fund (this organization supports aspiring young horseback riders in the county).  Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory in Montrose

Save