William Lee Donelson
1955 - 2011 (56 years)
Generation: 1
Generation: 3
Generation: 4
1. William Lee Donelson was born on 12 Jun 1955 in Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming (son of Richard Neal Donelson and Mary Bell Gardner); died on 3 Jul 2011 in Aomori, Japan; was buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming. Notes:
William L. "Bill" Donelson of Riverton and formerly of Centennial, Colo., died on Sunday, July 3, 2011, at Misawa Air Base, Japan.
William Lee Donelson was born on June 12, 1955, to Mary Belle (Gardner) Donelson and Richard N. Donelson in Riverton.
He was graduated from Riverton High School in 1973 and the University of Wyoming in 1977 with a degree in accounting. At the university he was active in Sigma Chi fraternity, Young Republicans, and collegiate 4-H. During college, he spent one summer in Washington, D.C., where he was an aide to U.S. Sen. Clifford Hansen. His family said this started his love of travel and, over the years, he was able to travel across most of the United States, South America, and Russia.
Mr. Donelson worked as an accountant in Casper and started several small businesses before he moved to Denver and was graduated from Denver Conservative Baptist Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree in counseling and worked as a counselor with churches in Denver. He started his private practice in Christian counseling, which ended in 2008 when he went overseas with Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, based in Iraq and Afghanistan as a counselor with KBR. He continued his counseling with Military and Family Life Consultant until his death. During his three years overseas, he was able to enjoy travel in many countries, including South Africa, Thailand, Germany, The Netherlands, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, and the Philippines.
Mr. Donelson is survived by his brother, Mike Donelson and his wife Charlotte; sister, Shirley Donelson; nephew, Eric and his wife Heidi; niece, Stacey and husband Rob; great nieces, Hailey and Morgan; great nephew, Owen; special friends, Don and Suzy Cooper; many cousins, and many national and international friends.
His parents preceded him in death.
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/101570286/william-lee-donelson
2. Richard Neal Donelson was born on 19 Aug 1922 in Mason City, Custer County, Nebraska (son of William McKinley Donelson and Frieda Bernice Davis); died on 3 Apr 1997; was buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming. Other Events:
- _MILT: World War II. US Army Air Corps.
Notes:
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/25990356/richard-neal-donelsonRichard married Mary Bell Gardner on 27 Sep 1942. Mary (daughter of Jesse Lee Gardner and Mary Elmeda Kelly) was born on 23 Mar 1924 in Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming; died on 20 Oct 2010 in Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming; was buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
3. Mary Bell Gardner was born on 23 Mar 1924 in Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming (daughter of Jesse Lee Gardner and Mary Elmeda Kelly); died on 20 Oct 2010 in Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming; was buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming. Notes:
Mary B. (Gardner) Donelson, 86 of Riverton, died on Friday, Oct. 22, 2010 at the Help for Health Hospice Home in Riverton.
Cremation has taken place. Inurnment will take place at Mountain View Cemetery at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 29, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at the Davis Funeral Home of Riverton. The Rev. Ed Murray will officiate.
Mary Belle Gardner was born in Riverton on March 23, 1924, to Mary and Jess Gardner. Her family lived on Riverview and later at Arapahoe and Morton, before returning to Riverton where her father built Riverton's first livestock auction. She was graduated from Riverton High School in 1940 and attended the University of Wyoming.
She and Richard "Dick" Donelson were married in 1942. They lived in Texas, Georgia, and Florida while Mr. Donelson was in the Army Air Corps. In 1945, Mrs. Donelson moved back to Riverton.
Following the end of WWII, Mr. and Mrs. Donelson farmed in the Buckhorn Flats community for many years. They retired in 1988 and moved into Riverton.
Mr. and Mrs. Donelson were actively involved in conservation work on both a local and regional level and traveled extensively to National Association of Conservation Districts meetings.
Mrs. Donelson was active as a 4-H leader for many years and volunteered at 4-H camps and Fremont County and Wyoming State Fairs. In 1969, she was chosen as the Riverton Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Woman of the Year.
She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a long-time member of the Buckhorn Flats Extension Club, Order of the Eastern Star, Rebekah Lodge, and a life-time member of the VFW Auxiliary.
In their retirement, Mr. and Mrs. Donelson traveled extensively throughout the continental U.S., and to Hawaii and China.
Their family said they enjoyed boating, camping, horseback riding and spending time with family. In addition, Mrs. Donelson was described as an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed gardening and reading. In her later year, she became computer literate and worked extensively with genealogy.
Mrs. Donelson is survived by her sons, Mike and his wife Charlotte of Riverton, and Bill of Centennial, Colo.; daughter, Shirley Donelson of Riverton; granddaughter, Stacey Donelson and her husband Rob Underwood and great grandson Owen Donelson Underwood of Boulder, Colo.; grandson, Eric Donelson, his wife Heidi and great granddaughters Hailey Grace and Morgan Belle of Riverton; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and the family of Jim Fike Sr.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dick; her mother and father; her brothers, Gerald "Jake" Gardner and his wife Verna Gardner, and Gene Gardner and his wife Louise Mazet Gardner, and by her fiancé, Jim Fike Sr.
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/101305615/mary-belle-donelsonChildren:
- 1. William Lee Donelson was born on 12 Jun 1955 in Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming; died on 3 Jul 2011 in Aomori, Japan; was buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming.
Generation: 3
4. William McKinley Donelson was born on 8 Oct 1896 in Marquette, Hamilton County, Nebraska; died on 30 Aug 1977 in Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming; was buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming. Notes:
Funeral services for William M. Donelson, 80, of Buckhorn Flats, Riverton will be held at the Davis Funeral Home, Saturday, September 3 at 11 a.m.
Mr. Donelson died August 30 at the Fremont Manor Nursing Home. He was born October 8. 1896 in Central City, Nebr.
He was preceded in death by his parents, J. C. Donelson and Rebecca Stephens Donelson.
He was married to his wife, Frieda Davis on February 27, 1918 in Amsley(sic - s/b Ansley), Nebr. They moved to Buckhorn Flats in 1924 from Mesa(sic, s/b Mason) City, Nebr., where the couple homesteaded. The Donelsons had resided there until Mr. Donelson entered the hospital on February 4, 1977.
Mr. Donelson was a retired farmer and a weed inspector for the Fremont County Weed Control for 13 years. He was also a past supervisor of the soil conservation district.
Mr. Donelson was a member of the Methodist Church, the Farm Bureau and the Riverton Chapter of the International Order of Odd Fellows. (I.O.O.F.)
Mr. Donelson is survived by his wife, Frieda, and son, Richard Donelson of Buckhorn Flats, Riverton. His daughter, Armis Higgs preceded her father in death in 1969. He is also survived by his daughter, Helen Monahan of Sparks, Nev, eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Sisters surviving him are Coila Lyons(sic - s/b Lyon) of Boise, Idaho and Edith Layher of Haddan(sic - s/b Haddam), Kansas.
The Rev. J. Holland Vernon will be officiating at the funeral services and the burial will be at the Mountain View Cemetery with committal rights(sic) by the I.O.O.F.
Riverton Ranger, Riverton, Fremont Co., Wyoming.
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/57870038/william-mckinley-donelsonWilliam married Frieda Bernice Davis on 27 Feb 1918 in Ansley, Nebraska. Frieda was born on 2 Oct 1900 in Bulter County, Nebraska; died on 16 Jul 1963 in Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming; was buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
5. Frieda Bernice Davis was born on 2 Oct 1900 in Bulter County, Nebraska; died on 16 Jul 1963 in Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming; was buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming. Notes:
Funeral services for longtime Buckhorn Flats resident, Frieda Bernice Donelson are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at the Davis Funeral Home. Mrs. Donelson died Wednesday, July 6, 1983, at Riverton Memorial Hospital. She was 82 years old.
Rev Margaret Kahin will officiate at the service. Burial will be in Mountain View Cemetery, directed by the Davis Funeral Home.
The family requests memorials in Mrs. Donelson's name be given to the Heart Fund or a charity of the donor's choice.
Frieda Bernice Donelson was born October 2, 1900 in Butler County, Nebr. She was the daughter of Grace (Rawles) and Charles M. Davis. She married William M. Donelson on Feb. 27, 1918 in Ainsley(sic), Nebr.
The Donelsons moved to Wyoming from Nebraska in 1935 and homesteaded in Buckhorn Flats.
Mrs. Donelson was a 50 year member of the Buckhorn Flats Extension Club and Rebekkah Lodge. She worked for the "The Riverton Ranger" as Buckhorn Flats correspondent for several years. She also served as secretary and treasurer for the Midvale Funeral Insurance Club.
Mrs. Donelson is survived by son Dick Donelson of Riverton and daughter, Helen Monahan of Sparks, Nev. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, brother, Neal Davis of Dayton, Ore and sister, Shirley Zentner, Dayton, Ore, Esther Devish and Claire Templin of Riverton.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 1977 and daughter, Armis Higgs, who died in 1968.
Riverton Ranger, Riverton, Fremont Co., Wyoming.
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/25990355/frieda-bernice-donelsonChildren:
- 2. Richard Neal Donelson was born on 19 Aug 1922 in Mason City, Custer County, Nebraska; died on 3 Apr 1997; was buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming.
6. Jesse Lee Gardner was born on 30 Apr 1893 in Purdin, Linn County, Missouri (son of Charles Emmett Gardner and Emma Annaliza Hedges); died on 18 Dec 1957 in Cheyene, Wyoming; was buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming. Other Events:
- Census: 1920, Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming
- Census: 1930, Fremont County, Wyoming
- Census: 1940, Fremont County, Wyoming
Notes:
MHR note:
Seven children.
Jesse served in WWI. Belonged to the American Legion. He was a Mason and a Republican.
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/25990871/jesse-lee-gardnerJesse married Mary Elmeda Kelly on 22 Dec 1917 in Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming. Mary was born on 24 Apr 1899 in Saratoga, Wyoming; died on 18 May 1997 in Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming; was buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
7. Mary Elmeda Kelly was born on 24 Apr 1899 in Saratoga, Wyoming; died on 18 May 1997 in Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming; was buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming. Notes:
Mary E. Gardner
Riverton – Funeral services for Mary E. Gardner, 98, will be held today at 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Riverton with the Rev. Barry Tagart officiating. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
Mrs. Gardner died May 18, 1997, at Wind River Healthcare in Riverton.
She was born April 24, 1899, in Saratoga, the daughter of Lua Otis Kelly and Margaret (Mauk) Kelly. They spent a short time in Fort Steele before moving to Kaycee and then to Riverton by covered wagon when she was 12 years old.
Her grandparents and parents had come to the Wyoming Territory in the late 1870s and early 1880s, settling in the Saratoga and Dixon areas. She attended school at Kaycee, at Delfelder rural school in Fremont County and completed the 11th grade at Riverton High School in 1915.
She married Jess Lee Gardner on Dec. 22, 1917, in Riverton. They spent the remainder of that winter in a walled tent on Union Pass, while Mr. Gardner worked timber.
After World War I, they farmed in the Arapahoe and Morton area until 1938 when they moved to Riverton.
She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Riverton.
She was a homemaker and worked in ladies ready-to-wear at the J.M. McDonald Company.
She enjoyed crocheting and continued with the craft until just before her death. She also enjoyed other crafts and loved to visit with family and friends.
She was a 70-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, a 61-year member of the Fremont County Extension Homemakers Council and a 59-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
She also belonged to the Historical Society, Rebekahs and was a charter member of the Riverview Extension Club.
Survivors include a daughter, Mary Donelson of Riverton; two daughters-in-law, Verna and Louise Gardner of Arizona; five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, a sister, Stella Gardner of Riverton; a sister-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband on Dec. 18, 1957, three sons, Jess Lee Jr., Eugene and Gerald Gardner; a son-in-law and three brothers, Bert, Earl and Glenn Kelly.
Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
The Davis Funeral Home of Riverton is in charge of arrangements.
Casper Star-Tribune, Casper, Wyoming. Wednesday, 21 May 1997.
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/25990872/mary-elmeda-gardnerChildren:
- Gerald George Gardner was born on 25 Nov 1922 in Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming; died on 6 Dec 1990 in Casa Grande, Pinal County, Arizona; was buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming.
- 3. Mary Bell Gardner was born on 23 Mar 1924 in Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming; died on 20 Oct 2010 in Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming; was buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming.
- Eugene Kelly Gardner was born on 10 May 1920 in Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming; died on 14 May 1995 in Absarokee, Stillwater County, Montana; was buried in Rosebud Cemetery, Stillwater County, Montana.
Generation: 4
12. Charles Emmett Gardner was born on 4 Apr 1862 in Illinois (son of William Gardner and Mary McClimans); died on 20 Oct 1942 in Fremont County, Wyoming; was buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming. Other Events:
- Occupation: farmer
- Census: 1910, Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming
- Census: 1920, Fremont County, Wyoming
- Census: 1930, Fremont County, Wyoming
Notes:
Well Known Farmer Died in Riverton
Riverton – Charles M. Gardner, 80 years old, and a well known farmer in this area since 1908, died early last week at his home near Riverton. He had been in ill health for sometime but his death came as a shock to his family. He is survived by his widow, two sons and three daughters, all of whom live near Riverton.
Casper Star-Tribune, Casper, Wyoming. Monday, 26 October 1942.
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/25990867/charles-m_-gardnerCharles married Emma Annaliza Hedges on 22 Dec 1888 in Urbana, Champaign County, Illinois. Emma (daughter of William Riley Hedges and Sarah Lavina Allen) was born on 18 May 1869 in Rowan County, Kentucky; died on 19 Jul 1945 in Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming; was buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
13. 
Emma Annaliza Hedges was born on 18 May 1869 in Rowan County, Kentucky (daughter of William Riley Hedges and Sarah Lavina Allen); died on 19 Jul 1945 in Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming; was buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming. Notes:
Farewell dinner
A family reunion was held at the home of Mrs. Marie Owens, Purdin, Missouri, Sunday Nov. 8, 1936 in honor of Mrs. Emma Hedges Gardner of Riverton, Wyoming and Mrs. Mary Hedges Wood of Dallas Texas who had not seen each other for thirty-five years.
A splendid cafeteria dinner was served, after which the afternoon was spent in visiting, taking pictures, singing and playing games.
Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. Harry Wood, Dallas, Texas, Mrs. Emma Garner, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Gardner and daughter Nellie Jean of Riverton, Wyoming. Charlie Bagley and wife, Curt Bagley, wife and daughters Margaret, Clarice and Wilma. Raymond Bagley, wife and daughter Nellie, Manley Buckman, wife and children Billy, Betty and Donald, Mr. and Mrs. John Hedges, Ivan Hedges, wife and daughter Doris, Mr. and Mrs. Billie Jenkins, Mrs. Marie Owens, Loren and Leota, Mr. and Mrs. Athes Creason, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Creason, and Mr. James Hedges all of Purdin. Mr. and Mrs. Chester Bagley and Carolyn Ann of Kirksville, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Bagley and Bertie of Humphreys, Mr. and Mrs. Alva Bagley and Ronald of Browning, Mrs. Aletha Smith and children, J.W., Norman, Gerald, Mary, Ruth and Janet, Mr. J.P. and Kenneth McKenzie and Miss Shelda Gooch all of Linneus. Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Collins and Barbara of New Bostod, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas, Helen and Wilma of Brookfield.
Nov 12th, 1936. One who was there.
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/25990869/emma-annaliza-gardnerChildren:
- Sylvia Victoria Gardner was born on 5 May 1890; died on 11 Apr 1891.
- 6. Jesse Lee Gardner was born on 30 Apr 1893 in Purdin, Linn County, Missouri; died on 18 Dec 1957 in Cheyene, Wyoming; was buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming.
- William Edgar Gardner was born on 12 Jan 1895; died on 18 Sep 1897.
- Goldie May Gardner was born on 20 Sep 1896 in North Salem, Linn County, Missouri; died on 21 Jan 1990 in Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming; was buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming.
- Lena Alice Gardner was born on 29 Nov 1898 in North Salem, Linn County, Missouri; died on 19 Aug 1996 in La Crosse, La Crosse County, Wisconsin; was buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming.
- Alta Belle Gardner was born on 4 Jan 1904 in Browning, Linn County, Missouri; died on 28 Oct 1978 in Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming; was buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming.
- Earl Franklin Gardner was born on 21 Mar 1906 in Browning, Linn County, Missouri; died on 14 Mar 1983 in Kinnear, Fremont County, Wyoming; was buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming.