Bill W. Poage

Bill W. Poage

Funeral services for Bill W. Poage, 84, were held April 29, 2003, at the United Methodist Church in Torrington, with Pastor Deb Olenyik officiating. Burial followed in Valley View Cemetery.

Bill Poage died at Community Hospital in Torrington after bravely battling lung cancer for two years.

Bill Poage, a lifelong resident of Goshen County was born in 1918 in Torrington. His life touched countless people as an active rancher, farmer, banker, cowboy, cattle feeder, cattle buyer, rodeo producer, team roper, cutter, gambler, friend, father, husband, leader and teacher.

He graduated from Torrington High School in 1937, majoring in cutting classes and attending the sale barn. He attended the first ever livestock auction in Torrington in 1933, and was a regular customer for the rest of his life. In the 1940's, he farmed and ranched in the Yoder area with his first wife Eva Mae and only son Jim.

In the early 1950's, he bought a ranch, built a cattle feeder operation, and for 20 years was on the Board of the First National Bank in Torrington, many of those as its chairman. He also had ranches in Jay Em, and north of Torrington. Over the years he bought, sold and fed thousands of cattle throughout the area.

In 1977 he married Marge Haines.

He loved the area, as well as the state, and was a vocal member of the Soil Conservation Board, The Wyoming State Fair Board, Cattleman's Association, Cutting Horse Association, Bankers Association, and many other organizations.

He believed in working hard and playing hard. As a friend, boss, partner or father, he always expected the best from everyone, and then just a little bit more. One of his greatest joys was to work with young people, coaching them to be cowboys and to live an honest life.

Bill is survived by his wife Marge of Torrington; his son Jim of Texas; a step-son Roxy Haines of Denver, Colo.; two grandchildren; eight cousins, seven nieces and seven nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Dwight and Louise; his sister Leonore Henby; and his horse Pete.

The family requests memorials be directed to the Eastern Wyoming College Foundation Board in Bill's honor.

Colyer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

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