Darrel Lee Dobson

Darrel L. Dobson, 67, passed away on April 5, 2026, at Central Wyoming Hospice in Casper, Wyoming. He was born on August 29, 1958, in Butte, Montana, to George Dobson and Shirley Bauer. His mother preceded him in death in December 2025. Darrel was a devoted father to his son, Daniel and his greatest joy was being “Grandpa” to his granddaughter, Dahlia, who had him completely wrapped around her finger. He is also survived by his father, George, his brother, Dennis, and his sister, Debbie.

Darrel grew up in a true Air Force family, moving from place to place across the country—Montana, Washington, Alaska, New Mexico, and Kansas—collecting stories and a little mischief along the way. He graduated from Washburn Rural High School in 1976, already well-practiced at making friends wherever he landed.

After spending some time in Topeka, he headed back to Montana to be close to family, including his Grams, Eleanor King, and his Uncle Jim and Aunt Stephanie. He tried his hand at a variety of jobs there before eventually making his way to Casper, Wyoming, where he found both steady work and a place that fit him perfectly. He spent most of his career in the oil and gas industry, working in multiple divisions from completions to meter proving. He also worked at a bentonite plant, and most recently driving a bread truck—something he seemed to enjoy, especially if it came with good conversation along the route.

Darrel loved the wide-open spaces of Wyoming, the kind of freedom you can’t quite explain unless you’ve lived it. He was the kind of person who could strike up a conversation with anyone, laugh easily, and never took life too seriously. During the early days of COVID, he began volunteering and drove around town helping collect donations for a local food pantry. He didn’t make a big deal about it—that was just who he was—quietly showing up and doing what he could to help.

He even took a turn behind the wheel of stock cars, something he dove into with his usual mix of curiosity and grit. He was especially proud of earning a “Most Improved Driver” trophy—a title that probably meant more to him than winning outright. It fit him perfectly: he wasn’t about showing off, he just loved getting better, going faster, and enjoying every minute of it. You can imagine him talking about it with a grin, maybe downplaying it just enough while still making sure you knew he earned it.

If it had an engine and could go fast, Darrel was all in. Another favorite was his water speed boat, where he traded dirt tracks for open water. Out there, with the throttle down and nothing but space ahead of him, he was right at home. It wasn’t just about speed—it was the freedom, the wind, and the simple fun of it all. Whether on land or water, Darrel had a knack for finding joy in the ride and making sure it came with a good story afterward.

If you knew Darrel, you knew he liked to have a good time, tell a story (sometimes more than once), and enjoy the simple things. He leaves behind a lot of memories, a lot of laughs, and people who will miss him more than he probably ever realized.

A service will be held on September 20, 2026. Family and friends are encouraged to come to celebrate his life—location to be announced. This will be a blue jean and t-shirt event as he requested. Come ready to share stories, laugh a little, and remember Darrel the way he would have wanted.

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