Wayne Ralph Cassity

A memorial service for WAYNE RALPH CASSITY, 80, will be held at a later time and cremation has taken place. Donations in Wayne's name may be made to the Vine United Methodist Church (Henry), 2002 4th Avenue, Scottsbluff, NE 69361-2033. Wayne Cassity was a man of the West. He loved everything that could keep him outdoors working with horses and cattle, working on cars and tractors, tinkering with irrigation, and generally puttering around. Wayne served his community in churches, in academia, and in his career with the State of Wyoming. He was known as a patient and kind man with a dry sense of humor. He loved telling a funny story, even if it was someone else's story. He loved animals, especially horses and dogs, and enjoyed the outdoors while hunting and fishing. He loved camping for a week and trail riding on horseback in the Black Hills. Always looking to fix things, he taught himself to weld and shoe horses. He took a special interest in reading about history, ethics, and religion. He enjoyed music, particularly rockabilly and 50s-60s rock-n-roll; he sang in a deep baritone. He was a Christian and we are comforted that he has entered heaven to be with his loved ones there, in alignment with his faith. Wayne was born May 22, 1945, in Hot Springs, SD to William R. "Pete" and Esther (Coleman) Cassity, joining the family with his brother Jerry and sister Joyce. He grew up around Oral and Hot Springs, along with various small towns in Montana and Western South Dakota. He graduated from Rapid City High School in 1963, then earned bachelor and master's degrees from University of South Dakota in 1967 and 1969. He put himself through his undergraduate degree program by working with his father on road construction during his summer breaks. In 1968, he married Ellen Barnes; they later divorced. For a few years, he taught sociology and criminology at Southern State College in Springfield, SD, as well as Clarke College and Loras College in Dubuque, IA, and Black Hills State College in Spearfish, SD. In 1973, he began working for the State of Wyoming's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in Casper, later moving to Torrington where he built a house for his family. During this time, he traveled to meet clients in Lusk, Wheatland, and Douglas. He became an area manager and moved to Casper in 1993 and was also responsible for the Rawlins office. He was proud of the training, education, and medical supports that he helped his clients obtain so they could become employable. He retired in 2004 after 30 years of service to the people of Wyoming and returned to the Torrington area. After a health scare in 2008, he moved to Seymour, Missouri where he tended a small herd of cattle and horses. In 2018, he returned to the Torrington area where he passed away on September 15, 2025. We miss him. Wayne is survived by his wife of 38 years, Kathie; his children Shawn (Coni) Cassity of St. Paul, MN, and Erin Cassity of Schertz, TX; his stepchildren Jenny (Eddie) Hull of Five Points, AL, Paul (Kristin) Gasser of Grafton, WI, and Charles (Kristen) Gasser of Aurora, IL; his grandchildren Victoria (Mitch) Jacobson, Allie (Steven) Wright, and Maia Hull; Grace and Josie Gasser; Amanda Gasser; Rachel Johnson and Dylan Cassidy, Ryan and Lily Gates; his great-granddaughters Anwyn Shackett and Myla Mae Jacobson; his nephews Kent and Cody Cassity of Wichita Falls, Texas; Stewart Strain of Martin and Steven Strain of Rapid City; and his niece, Nancy Bradsky of Rapid City. He is also survived by his many beloved friends in Wyoming, Nebraska, and Missouri.

Wayne Ralph Cassity

May 22, 1945 - September 15, 2025