Donald Moyer

Former Jackson resident, Donald E. Moyer, went to be with the Lord on July 20 after a long battle with a lung disease.

Donald "Ducky" Erwin Moyer was born on October 29, 1931 in Quakertown, PA, to Erwin and Grace Moyer. Seven years later his brother, Jerry (Hoss) was born.

In his early years, he helped his father with his bakery route delivering baked goods door to door.

In 1949 he graduated from Sell-Perk High School. He then went to work for his Uncle Hilton Spanninger in Dublin, PA, at his pants factory.

He married his high school sweetheart, Janet Lenart, on April 1, 1951, and in 1955 bought a bakery in Perkasie, PA. Between 1951 and 1955, they had 3 children - Brent, Beverly, and Bonnie.

In the summer of 1963, Don decided to pack up his family and take a road trip. They traveled through 34 states in 7 weeks and fell in love with Jackson Hole. The family returned the following summer and bought the Hitching Post Lodge on a handshake. They operated the Motel for the next 10 years.

Don's dream was to have a ranch for children. In 1975 they purchased property at Red Top Meadows from the Imeson family and built and developed Red Top Meadows Boys Ranch. In 1985 they sold the ranch to the State/County as a home for underprivileged boys/first offenders. Don's dream lives on.

In the interim, Don and Janet managed Pioneer Homestead Sr. Apartments; owned and operated the Ski-Doo business at Jim's Welding. He also loved gardening and spent several summers caretaking the Nicoli and Ordway properties.

The winters soon became harsh and they became snowbirds to Ft. Myers, FL. After sixteen years in Ft. Myers, they moved to Kerrville, TX, and were there 8 years. Due to health reasons and to be closer to family, they moved to Wickenburg, AZ, this spring where he spent his last days.

Don is survived by his wife of 62 years, Janet; his son, Brent (Uschi), Nashville, TN; daughters, Bev Beesley (Conan), Wilson, WY, Bonnie Lutz (Earl), Jackson, WY; 4 grandchildren, Amy Ricks (Ryan), Salt Lake, UT, Aaron Beesley, Wilson, WY, Derek Morrison, Jackson, WY, Kelsi Morrison, Portland, OR; 3 great grandchildren; Brennen Morey, Salt Lake, UT, Braedon Beesley, Camp Pendelton, CA and Garrett Ricks, Salt Lake, UT; niece, Julie Tanabe (Brian & Kai), Jackson, WY; niece, Sheryl Minarik (Steve, Carson & Garrett), Prescott Valley, AZ; nephew, Scot Stephens (Joyce, Brooke & Amy), Crawford, TX; and sister- in law, Gail Stephens (Don), Jackson, WY. Don is preceded in death by his parents and his brother.

A Celebration of his life will be held at River Crossing Church in Rafter J on Friday, August 30 at 4:00 pm.