Robert E. Rennard

Robert E. Rennard

Robert E. Rennard of Cheyenne, an educator, vocational counselor and active in the Masonic Order, died Friday, April 12 at Memorial Hospital after a short illness.

Born in Gargrave, England, he came with his parents, Tom and Mary Rennard, to homestead in Niobrara County in 1910.

Rennard attended the University of South Dakota and graduated from the University of Wyoming with bachelor and master's degrees in education.

At the University he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and other campus organizations. Upon graduation he was commissioned a lieutenant in the United State Army Reserve and accepted a teaching position in Savory. He later became superintendent of schools at Carpenter and Glenrock.

On June 9, 1933 he married Shirley Brummett in Mitchell, Neb. The Rennards moved to Cheyenne in 1946. Mrs. Rennard died in February 1981.

At the time of his death, Rennard was actively involved with the Masonic Order, First Presbyterian Church and Golden K Kiwanis Club.

His Wyoming Masonry activities span a period of more than 50 years. Rennard was a 33 degree Mason. He was a charter member and past master of Capital Lodge 54, AF and AM, and served as lodge secretary for the last 19 years.

He was a member of the Masonic York Rite and Scottish Rite bodies and over the years held numerous offices in each of these organizations.

He belonged to Wyoming Consistory 1, Korein Shrine Temple, the Cheyenne Shrine Club and was a member of the Shrine Greeters. He was past president of Cheyenne Chapter 5, National Sojourners.

Rennard was on the Board of Directors of the Scottish Rite Foundation of Wyoming for 17 years. He was a past president of the board and was foundation board secretary. The Scottish Rite Foundation Board granted 24 scholarships to Wyoming young people in 1984.

Rennard was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and served on the Session and Board of Trustees. He was clerk of Session from 1982 through 1984. He was a faithful usher and held that office for many years.

Rennard's professional career started in the educational field. He was called to active duty with the Army Reserve in 1941 and was separated in 1946 with the rank of Colonel. He retired from the Army Reserve in 1961.

He worked as a vocational counselor for the Veterans Administration from 1946 until his retirement in 1978.

Rennard was appointed to the Governor's Committee for the Employment of the Handicapped by Gov. Milward Simpson and reappointed by Govs. Cliff Hansen and Stan Hathaway.

He also served on the Goodwill Industries Board of Directors. Other activities included Reserve Officers Association, Retired Officers Association, and American Legion.

Survivors include a daughter, Jean R. Williams, Cheyenne; a son, Robert S. Rennard, Farmington Hills, Mich.; and a brother, Samuel Rennard of Lusk.

He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Robert E., Ronald S., Thomas W. and Linda S. Rennard, Jeri W. Griego, Jayne W. Myrick and Anne Williams; a great-grandson, Christopher L. Myrick.

His wife, Shirley B. Rennard, parents Tom and Mary Rennard of Edgemont, S. D. and a brother Tom Rennard of Casper preceded him in death.

Friends who prefer may contribute to the Rennard Memorial Scholarship at Laramie County Community College, Shirley B. Rennard Memorial Scholarship at University of Wyoming or the scholarship fund of the Scottish Rite Foundation of Wyoming. Contributions may be sent in care of the Schrader Funeral Home.

Images & Attachments

Related/Linked Records