Roger Raleigh Wilmot passed away January 13, 2020, after a four-month struggle with cancer. Typical of Roger, he valiantly fought the disease and dealt with his Old West collections just as he wanted—giving away mementos to family and friends.
Roger was born August 21, 1944, in Gillette, Wyoming, to Neva and Raleigh (Tookey) Wilmot, the older of two children, a boy and a girl. His sister, Karla Cuprey lives in Austin, Texas. Roger was raised in Upton, Wyoming where he completed all twelve grades and where he met his wife of 55 years, Joney, when they were both in fifth grade. Roger went on to get his associate degree at Sheridan College and his Bachelors Degree in Business at the University of Wyoming in 1966. Upon graduation he went to work for Continental Pipeline, moving his young family to Montana, Texas and Illinois as he learned the ropes of the pipeline business.
Roger took the opportunity to return to Wyoming, his home state he loved so much, when he was offered a job at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. He began work with NRRI for Dr. John Bellamy, eventually becoming the Associate Vice President of Research at UW. Roger and Joney were strong supporters of the Cowgirls and Cowboys, and longtime members of the Cowboy Joe Club. His favorite hobby was collecting Old West vintage items, concentrating on bits and spurs. He enjoyed Old West trade shows, meeting up with his trader friends and getting the very best deal on anything. Roger loved to travel, taking road trips around the United States and river cruises throughout Europe. He had fun planning all the details of surprise trips for Joney.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Noah.
Roger is survived by his wife, Joney, and sons, Casey and Casey’s daughter, Carson, of Mitchell, Nebraska; Kyle and wife, Debbie, of Erie, Colorado, Kyle and Debbie’s daughter BreAnne Beitz and son, Logan Wilmot. Roger had one great grandchild, Karter Beitz.
Roger’s wish was to have a private family celebration of his life so there will be no public memorial service.
A memorial fund is being established in honor of Roger at the University of Wyoming. Memorial gifts can be made in care of the University of Wyoming Foundation, 222 South 22nd Street, Laramie, WY 82070. Gifts may also be made online at www.uwyo.edu/giveonline.
Joney, I'm sorry this is so delayed. I was looking Roger up to see if I could introduce him to my family when we come for my daughter's graduation and marriage in May. When I think of my own time at UW, I have many memories of running into Roger. He was always so kind and easy to talk to. It was an added bonus that he was family. I know my Mom (Jeri Belle) and Dad (Jerry) loved Roger. Prayers for you all. Stacy Sweeney
To Roger's family I send my sincerest hope for peace to fill your hearts and overpower your sorrow. Roger was a good friend to my dad, Roy, and then to my brother and I when dad passed away. Roger went 'above and beyond' to help us during a difficult time, and his kindness and generosity were evident even in the last days of his own life. It is no wonder Roger is held in such high esteem by so many; I'm sure he will be greatly missed.
So sorry to her this. Can't think of Roger without Dick Weeks, Ken Easley & Dennis Knowlton popping into my head.....Peace to you during this time. Teri Weeks Taylor
Joney and Family, I am sorry to hear of your loss of Roger. It takes me back to fond memories in the mid 60s when we were all young parents. Please accept my heartfelt wish for you to have understanding and peace. Ryan Fulton
Joney and family, our hearts go out to you all. We know how much Roger will be missed. He was not only a great guy to work for at UW, but a great friend as well. Such a kind, considerate and generous man with the best sense of humor. We all loved him! Alice & Scotty Miller
Joney and Family, I was sorry to hear about Roger, you both will always have a special place in my heart! Susie Dunlap
Roger, you were a good friend, neighbor and colleague. You will be greatly missed. Tom and Linda Martin
I had the pleasure to work with Roger at UW for many years. He was kind, resourceful, and full of good humor when so many of us coming to him for help were stressed. He was a good man.
Our sincerest sympathy Joney and family, Roger was truly one of a kind. He will be sorely missed and remembered with all the fun times and get togethers over the years. I know the memories would make a book. We're going to miss that big grin and that big guy. Hugs to all. Alvin and Marsha Huckins
Joney and the Wilmot family, I am still in shock, as I am sure you all are. Roger had a special connection with cowboys, the good old boys, and family/friends. Aside from being highly knowledgeable, he enjoyed bit and spur auctions. I enjoyed them because Roger was funny and fairly easy/fun to pick on. When the auctions were over Joney would always go shopping with me for days. Amazing, nice, caring, down to earth people! Unfortunately, Roger left us all way too soon! Life is to short and the good ones are always the ones to climb the stairs to Heaven first. All we can do is hope Roger is saving a spot for all of us, resting peacefully, and most important watching over all of us who admired, respected, and valued Rogers friendship. Dad is sure gunna miss you, Roger, and the friendship the two of you developed over the many, many, many years! Rest In Peace, Roger. You will be forever missed! ? With Love, Kelly Robertson
Such a tough loss! Our hearts are with you, Joney. John and Ann Binning
We are so sorry for your loss, Joney!
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. Roger was a special man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Joney and Family, I am so sorry for all of you. Roger was a wise, kind, brilliant, respectful gentleman. Truly one of a kind. He will be missed by many. Praying for you. vianne westbrook
Roger will forever be in the hearts of all who had the good fortune to know him. Our hearts are heavy. Our love and prayers are for you and your family.
Joney and Family. Please accept our sincere condolences in your time or sorrow. Our thought and prayers are with you.
Rest in peace Roger. Condolences to your family. You were truly one of a kind. We will miss you so much at the Cowboy Collectible shows. You were the first person Tracy and I looked for at every show and auction. It will not be the same without you. So glad we got to see you in November. Can't even begin to imagine the loss your family is feeling. Love to all.
Rest in peace Rodger, you were always so nice to me growing up and years later to my own family. Really and truly a good man.