Lawrence Arthur Warren

Pinky Warren, 76 year old former Thermopolis resident passed away at his home in Worland on December 27, 2012 surrounded by his family.

Lawrence Arthur Warren was born on January 20, 1936 to William J. and Cassie M. (Hoyle) Warren in Ft. Morgan, Colorado. He spent his early years in Hyattville, attending school there through the 8th grade. He then went to Basin High School, where he gained the life-long name of “Pinky”. He attended his freshman through junior years here where he excelled in sports. The family relocated to Hood River, Oregon where Pinky graduated from WY East High School in 1954. He was grateful for the previous years of athletics which helped him to letter in Football, Basketball, Baseball and Track. He earned a Baseball scholarship to attend Clark College in Washington State. He couldn’t stand the gloomy weather and rain, so transferred to Powell College and returned again to Wyoming. He enlisted in the United States Army with a few of his Hyattville friends. He served in at Fort Chaffee in Ft. Smith. Not only did he serve his country, but he also found the love of his life, Goldie Ridenour, (even after she stood him up on their first official date). The couple was later married on July2, 1959 at the United Methodist Church in Worland. He transferred to the National Guard Army Reserves and they made their home in Worland for one year before moving to the Black Hills. Pinky attended the Black Hills Teacher’s College (now Black Hills University) and received his Bachelor’s degree in Science. Upon graduation, he was offered a job teaching in Hamilton Dome in 1963. He taught Science and Physical Education for many years, later becoming the Principal of the school. He then transferred to Thermopolis where he taught science for 5, 6 and 7th grade. During the Summer break, he would take his family to Tahlequah, Oklahoma where he worked on his Masters. After four years of this routine, he graduated with this Master’s Degree in Education. During the school year he also coached track and basketball. He was instrumental in getting a girls basketball team started. He will be remembered by his students for many kindnesses he shared. He always ate lunches with the students in the cafeteria and there were always apples and oranges available for students who didn’t get breakfast, or needed an extra snack for the long bus ride. If a child needed shoes, or other necessities, he would anonymously see that they received what they needed. He would even arrange to get a reel-to-reel Disney movie s to show and treat the students to Friday afternoon at the movies. He remembered what it was to grow up in humble circumstances and went about quietly doing good for those he could. He retired from teaching in 1986.

Pinky loved to fish, hunt and spend time in the Wyoming Mountains. He was always growing something in his garden, or spending time in getting it ready to plant, or harvest. His love of sports was something he never outgrew! He would attend every game he could. One year, when the Thermopolis Bobcat’s made it to the State Playoffs, he even dyed his hair purple! After 50 years of attending games, he received a gold pin that would give him entrance to any High School sports activity in the state.

He was also very active in his Church. He was the Elks Hoop Shoot Chairman for 25 years. He was a 50 year member and Past Master in the Mason’s, a Past Patron in the Eastern Star, a member of the Shriner’s and a Past Exalted Ruler of the Elk’s Lodge. He and Goldie loved to dance. They won a dance competition at the Elks Convention for their mixture of Western Jitterbug (swing) and classic waltz. Time spent with his activities and students came second only to the dedication to his family. They were most important and meant the world to him.

Pinky was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother, Ruth Warren; sisters: Doris Kelley and Mary Ann Yates; grandchildren: Rae Marie and Jerod and niece, Cheryl Kelley.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Goldie of Worland; children: Harlan (Bertha) Warren of Aurora, Missouri, Jeanne Warren of Blanchard, Idaho, Larry Warren, Martha (Mark) Hinkel all of Worland, Wyoming, Edith (Rob Fletcher) of Rock Springs, Wyoming; brother-in-law: Rowdy Yates of Ten sleep, Wyoming; grandchildren: Tim and Jami Hinkel, Patty Jo Hinkel, Martin Stegman, Rachelle Richardson, Jennifer and Matt Ross and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 5, 2013 at the Hyattville Community Center with Pastor Jack Preston officiating. Memorial donations may be made in Pinky’s name to establish a scholarship fund for deserving students. These donations may be sent in care of Bryant Funeral Home, PO Box 524, Worland, WY 82401. Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com. Bryant Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.