David J Hanlin (Dave) was born December 7, 1935 in Douglas Wyoming to Jack and Helen Hanlin. He grew up in Douglas with his brother and best friend Jim. In high school, Dave excelled in football, baseball and track. His focus was on sports until a tragic fire accident changed his direction from sports to academics. He graduated from Douglas High School in 1954.
Dave attended the University of Wyoming and received a Civil Engineering degree. During his four years in Laramie, he developed a lifelong love for the Wyoming Cowboys.
Dave began working on survey crews for the Wyoming Highway Department during his college years. He graduated from the University in 1959 and remained with the Highway Department for his entire working career, over 45 years. He held positions in Douglas, Cheyenne, Wheatland and Sheridan.
Dave married the love of his life, Mary Combs on August 16, 1961. To this union, they were blessed with two children, Steve and Lisa. Mary developed health issues that required Dave to become her primary caregiver which became his priority for 5 years. Mary passed away on September 15, 2018.
Dave was an active member of the First United Methodist Church. He enjoyed fly fishing, watching baseball, especially the Cleveland Indians, watching the Wyoming Cowboys, making and shooting bows and woodworking. After his retirement, Dave and his brother Jim restored a log cabin in the Medicine Bow National Forest. He found great peace and relaxation sitting on the porch of the cabin and often would say “Who ever doesn’t like this life is crazy”. His greatest joy was his family and he was always involved in his grandchildren’s activities.
Dave passed away on July 30, 2019 at the Sheridan Memorial Hospital. He was proceeded in death by both his parents, Jack and Helen, his brother Jim and his wife Mary. He is survived by his son Steve Hanlin (Mary Beth) and daughter Lisa Schied (Syl); grandchildren Sean Hanlin, Kevin Hanlin, Audrey Schied and Cleo Schied; sister in law Sharon Hanlin; nephews Todd Hanlin (Jennifer), Brett Hanlin (Renee) and John Combs (Katy); niece Tracey Hanlin; uncle Ted Walton, and numerous cousins.
Funeral Services will be held at a later date this fall. Memorials can be made to The First United Methodist Church in Sheridan or the American Lung Society.
Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com.
Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.