GARY LEE BENNETT

March 12, 1954–June 23, 2025

Gary Lee Bennett passed away peacefully on June 23, 2025, at Weston County Health Services in Newcastle, Wyoming, surrounded by his family. He was an amazing father, brother, uncle, cousin, and a friend to many. He worked hard to help change the lives of those he knew for the better. 

Gary was born and raised in Newcastle, and stayed until he was 17 years old when he enlisted in the Navy. In school he played varsity sports including softball, baseball, and pole vault. He was an avid music enthusiast and played guitar when he wasn’t busy with his extracurricular activities. 

He served four years in the Navy from 1971 to 1975, living mostly in San Jose, California. During this time, he traveled around the world with the Navy. His letters he sent home included some stories of the wild nights he and his buddies had, and what life was like far away from home. Gary’s passion for racing mini sprint cars was well known. He was constantly working on his cars and finding new ways to better himself on the racetrack. 

After his honorable discharge, he came back to Newcastle and started working for the United States Post Office until 1985. His next adventure was opening the Short Stop, where he saw many of the Newcastle crowd every day. Ten years later he sold the Short Stop and went back to college. He went back to school to get his GED because he went into the Navy before he could finish high school. He continued his education at Casper College, receiving two associate degrees, one in addictionology and another in psychology. His passion for schooling didn’t stop there as he went on to the University of Wyoming to earn a bachelor’s degree. While going to school he worked part time at the Wyoming Honor Conservation Camp and went full time after he graduated college.  He worked there until he retired and finally enjoyed a relaxed life. 

He is loved and survived by his two daughters, Daytona Bennett and Kelsey Bennett; step-daughters, Angelique Wolfe-Reed and Athena Wolfe; his niece and God-daughter, Sayla Buffington (Bennett) and her husband Rob Buffington and their three children Ella, Skylar, and Hazel; his brother, Dale Bennett; and cousins, Perry Bennett, April Hayes (Bennett), and Lee Bennett. 

He is preceded in death by his mother, Betty Hazel Bennett (Andrews); his father, Larry LaVerne Bennett; and cousin, Karen Bennett. Gary had a special place in his heart for animals of all kinds and was greeted by all of the furry friends he loved along the way. 

Gary’s funeral service was June 27 at 11 a.m. at Meridian Mortuary in Newcastle. There was a social hour at Dow Park at 12:30 p.m. after the service. Both were open to the public and the family loved celebrating his life with all who knew him. 

Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Meridian Mortuary, 111 S. Railway Ave., Newcastle, WY, 82701 or expressions of sympathy may also be made online at meridianmortuary.com.