Doug Essert

Douglas S. Essert, Head Coach of Yoder Dame, 98, lifelong resident of Yoder, Wyoming passed away May 16, 2020 in his daughter, Becky Essert’s, home in Cheyenne, WY. Services are unkown at this time due to the COVID-19 virus regulations. Born July 19, 1921, in Torrington, WY to William J. and Margaret (Shanstrom) Essert. He graduated from Yoder High School in 1939 where he participated in all activities. He attended the University of Wyomingin Laramie where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SEA) fraternity and walked on to the UW baseball team until drafted into WWII. October 8, 1943, he entered the Army Air Corps (United States Air Force). He was transported from Fort Lawton, in Seattle, WA on a Dutch Holland ship, the Noordam, serving in the Asiatic Pacific (EniwetokAtoll, Marshall Island, Saipan, Tinian and Guam) as Corporal in the 20th Air Force; 19thBomb Group; 314th Wing on the ground crew. Upon his return from WWII he attended the University of Denver where he was an Honor Society student & walked onto the Pioneers baseball team as shortstop. He graduated with a BS in teaching & coaching. Eventhough he was hired to become a teacher & coach he returned to farming & ranching with his brother Bill Essert in Goshen County, WY. He also worked in the lab at Holly Sugar and drove sugar beet trucks for Transystems, LLC for years. He dedicated himself to playing town team basketball, baseball, and softball for decades. In addition he organized & coached kids basketball & baseball leagues. He enjoyed coordinating benefit basketballtournaments organizing town teams to compete against each others & occasionally the Denver Broncos. These benefits helped establish Diversified Services Inc. & proceeds to St. Mary’s Children home in Torrington, WY and many others. Starting in 1952 he organized the Yoder Class Reunions continuing that until his death. A Cowboy Joe Club Member he helped extend its membership in Goshen County & other areas during its inception. A life long University of Wyoming Cowboy fan Doug attended football and basketball games. He was a member of the Last Squad Club; The 19th Bomb Group; Moose Lodge; Torrington Elks & the American Legion all sincethe 1940’s. He was President of the Wyoming Wheat Growers Association going to Washington several times representing the farmers plight in the 1970’s & had articles written in the US News & World Report. He retired at age 87. Doug had an especial memory for peoples name, places, & events. He knew a great deal of people from everywhere & continued making friends handing out his signature red &white business card that read “I Am Doug Essert, Who The (red devil) Are You?” His hardy laugh & great sense of humor will be missed. Doug was married 56 years to Betty F. (Anderson) Essert of Hemingford, NE who proceeded him in. His sister is Elizabeth (Bob) Quade (deceased) of Torrington, WY and brother William M. Essert (Deceased) of Yoder, WY. He is survived by his children: Becky Essert, Cheyenne, WY; Casey (Pam) Essert of Torrington, WY; Leah (Gordon) Knopp Cheyenne, WY. Grandchildren: Caleigh Essert; Rachel & Abby Knopp.

Doug Essert

July 19, 1921 - May 16, 2020