Derald Cheeney Obituary, Death – Derald Wayne Cheeney, 87, a long-time resident of Ten Sleep, died on January 20, 2023, at the Washakie Medical Center in Worland, Wyoming. Derald Cheeney was born on March 12, 1935, in Henry, Nebraska, to Everett Vernon and Mary Inez (Terrell) Cheeney. He grew up on a ranch south of Ten Sleep and attended Ten Sleep High School, graduating in 1953. From 1954 to 1958, he served in the Strategic Air Command of the United States Air Force. Growing up, one of his best memories was helping local ranchers move animals, assisting his father in herding sheep, taking a horseback pack trip to Lake Solitude, and living off the fish they caught.
Shirley Irene Francis, Derald’s sister, introduced him to a lovely young lady. On April 20, 1957, the pair married in Lincoln, Nebraska. They moved to Ten Sleep after Derald’s discharge from the United States Air Force in 1958, where they reared their four children, Janet, Clayton, Clinton, and Carmen. He farmed on the Upper Norwood and worked for the Washakie County Road and Bridge Department, retiring in 1992. He bred sheep for many years before establishing a cattle herd. Getting to track cattle with him was one of his family’s greatest experiences, from his childhood to his grandchildren, nieces, and local children. He was always up for fishing and hunting, but only after completing his tasks.
When he bought land on the mountain and built a cabin, he realized one of his ambitions. That was his favorite location. Next to that, he enjoyed going to Mary’s every night for supper and poker night. His parents, wife, Shirley, brother, Don CheeneysE and sister, Freda Skrettingland all predeceased him. Survivors include his special partner, Mary Roddy; sons Clayton (Nan) Cheeney of Ten Sleep and Clinton (Jodi) Cheeney of Buffalo, Wyoming; daughters Janet (Ted) Collen of Ten Sleep and Carmen (Ron) Collen of Buffalo; brothers Everett (Rosemary) Cheeney, Jr. of Hanford, California and Richard (Carol) Cheeney of Sheridan, Wyoming; sister Shirley Lapp of Worland