1964 – 2025
Dean Edward Bauer, 61, of Casper, Wyoming, passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025. Dean Bauer was born on March 26, 1964, in Casper, Wyoming, to Jean A. Applebeck and Jack E. Dowler. Dean was the oldest child of six other siblings.
Dean is survived by his wife, Jayme Bauer of Casper; son, Brian Bauer (Irene) of Casper; son, Kevin Bauer (Elizabeth) of Evansville; grandchildren: Brooke Taylor, Brittney Bauer, David Bauer, Jack Bauer, and Anthony Bauer. He is also survived by his stepmother, Earlene Dowler of North Dakota; brother, Ron Dowler of Casper; brother, Raymond Dowler of Casper; sister, Karen Dowler-Henderson of Mills; brother, Fred Baker of North Dakota; sister, Shawna Dowler of North Dakota; brother, Mike Dowler of Michigan; and numerous nieces and nephews. Dean was preceded in death by his mother, Jean Kohl (Applebeck); his father, Jack Dowler; his adoptive stepfather, Robert Bauer; and another stepfather, George Kohl III.
Dean will always be remembered for his sweet, gentle demeanor. He loved watching baseball and football any chance he got. He was a lover of all dogs and always talked about his latest companion, his black lab/great dane mix. Dean grew up in Casper with his dad, stepmother, and siblings until around the age of four, then he moved to California to live with his mother and stepfather (Robert). Dean traveled back to Casper, on a few occasions, to visit his dad. stepmom, and siblings. His siblings have fond memories of Dean being a wonderful, fun older brother. His sister, Karen, remembers him being an outstanding man that overcame many obstacles in his life with no complaints ever. He always had a smile on his face. His brother, Raymond, remembers him being a great brother that he will miss dearly. His brother, Ron, has fond memories of Dean pulling him around in a wagon for hours at a time and being carried on Dean’s shoulders when he was young.
Dean graduated from Tennyson High School, in 1983, in Hayward, California, where he met his wife of the last thirty-nine years, Jayme. Dean moved back to Casper with his mom in 1984, but missed his high school sweetheart, Jayme. He called her on the phone in June 1984 to proclaim his love and propose to her. She told him to give her 24 hours to decide and she would return his call the next day with an answer. Jayme called Dean the next day, as promised, and told him yes she would marry him. Jayme then moved to Casper in July 1985 to live with Dean. Dean and Jayme had two boys together and raised their boys in Casper.
Dean was diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) at the age of thirty-two in 1996 and struggled with his health after that. In 2020, Dean was admitted to Shepherd of the Valley nursing home and was cared for by many nurses and CNAs who all loved Dean as much as his family did. In March 2025, Dean had to undergo a serious surgery that took a while to heal from due to his other health conditions. After the surgery, Dean struggled to return to his old self and then at the end of April, Dean suffered from a stroke that shortly thereafter took his life. Dean spent his last couple of days being cared for by the wonderful staff at Central Wyoming Hospice. Dean will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
1952 – 2025
Steven (Butch) Ernest Cureton, 73 of Casper, Wyoming passed away peacefully on Wednesday April 30, 2025, at his home.
Butch was born in St. Louis, Missouri to parents Jess and Mary Cureton on February 29, 1952. He graduated from Natrona County High School in 1970. During his youth, he was a talented baseball player, known for his side-arm fastball pitching and home-run hitting. After high school, he received a notice and invitation to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals AAA baseball team, but after suffering a head injury in a car accident, was unable to attend the Cardinal tryouts.
Butch worked many years in the oilfield around Wyoming and as a crane operator at Pacific Steel & Recycling until his retirement. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, being outdoors, and watching Denver Nuggets basketball. He loved collecting Dodge Power Wagon trucks, or any old car he would find, and spent many hours ‘tinkering’ on his vehicles. Butch also had a passion for motorcycles and during the summer months, he could be seen driving around town on his Harley Davidson. He was an animal lover and a constant companion to his dogs over the years: Clementine, Lady, Ozzie, Harriet, and Zorro, to name a few. Later in life, he picked up the hobby of woodworking and crafted intricate hand carved walking sticks that had to be perfect before he was satisfied with the outcome.
Butch was very much a “man’s man” with his interests in cars, sports, hunting, and motorcycles and yet he was gentle and kind. He was a quiet and thoughtful man who never met a stranger, often referring to his acquaintances as “Bud.” He had a way of attracting other people, wherever he went. He had a big heart and anyone who knew him loved and respected him deeply. He was a devoted son, a dedicated loving father and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his son, Elijah Cureton; and granddaughters: Taitum, Reese and Sloane of Bozeman, Montana; daughter, Danielle (Shane) Ingram and grandchildren: Oliver and Madison of Cheyenne, Wyoming; former wife and friend, Chris Stuemke; siblings: Cathy Hutchison, Lona (Dan) Cantine, Robert Cureton and Chuck (Mona) Cureton; nine nieces and nephews and, at last count, 11 great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Mary Cureton; and brother-in-law, Thomas Hutchison.
The family would like to thank the medical community in Casper for embracing and caring for Butch throughout the years. A Memorial Service will be held at Bustards Funeral Home on May 18th at 11 a.m., with Pastor Tim Adams officiating. A reception will follow. Cremation has taken place.
1962 – 2025
Scott Wiley Talbott was born on April 7, 1962, in Monte Vista, Colorado, to Jim and Janet Talbott. He was raised on the Talbott family ranch west of Laramie, Wyoming, where he developed a lifelong love for the outdoors. His childhood was filled with hunting, trapping, exploring the surrounding plains and mountains, and working alongside his family. Even from a young age, Scott displayed a tireless work ethic—cutting timber, shearing sheep with his brothers, and (in true big-brother fashion) harassing his sisters.
He attended Sheridan College and earned his degree from the University of Wyoming before embarking on a remarkable 34-year career with the Wyoming Game & Fish Department. Over the course of his tenure, he served in nearly every role within the Wildlife Division—except biologist—and ultimately retired as the second-longest-serving director in the agency’s modern history.
Scott was particularly proud of his leadership in the recovery and delisting of wolves, the resurgence of the Yellowstone grizzly bear population, and the reintroduction of the black-footed ferret. A strong believer in public trust and transparency, he worked to make the agency “the people’s Game and Fish Department,” achieving a 95% credibility rating and 91% public satisfaction during his tenure.
His vision and commitment earned him numerous awards and recognitions, and he served on the boards of several national and regional wildlife organizations. He was a graduate of the FBI Leadership Academy and Leadership Wyoming, and served as President of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.
Following retirement, Scott continued to share his deep knowledge and passion for conservation as a Guide and Outfitter Liaison for Safari Club International. His work took him around the globe—from Canada to New Zealand to Africa—but his heart always remained in Wyoming.
Scott knew every corner of his beloved state. A skilled horseman, he traversed countless trails, creeks, hunting camps, and summits on horseback, always eager to share those places with the people he loved. He cherished the meadowlark’s song, the rise of a trout, sunrises and sunsets, hot peppers, cribbage, and hitting his mark. Whether navigating remote wilderness or gathered around a fire, Scott was a fierce competitor, a loyal friend, and an adventurer at heart—devoted to the land and people he held dear.
Of all his accomplishments, Scott was most proud of being a father and grandfather. His sons, Payden and Luke, were his companions in life’s many adventures, and time with his grandson Quincy was, in Scott’s words, “the culmination of everything I’ve worked for.” His family, friends, faith, and love of the natural world defined his life. He found joy in cooking for those he loved, tending his garden, collecting historical oddities, and being the keeper of stories and family lore.
Scott passed peacefully on April 25, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, with a heart full of gratitude—for a life well-lived, the joy and love that surrounded him, and his relationship with God.
He was preceded in death by his parents and will be laid to rest beside them on the family ranch. He is survived by his sons, Payden Wiley and Luke Branson Talbott; and his grandson, Quincy Tripp; his brothers, Jay and Cody Talbott; his sisters, Amy Clay and Betsy DeBolt; and their beloved spouses and children—all of whom he loved deeply.
In honor of Scott’s generous spirit, memorial contributions to your favorite charity or a wildlife conservation organization would be a fitting tribute.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 30, at 2 p.m. at the Albany County Fairgrounds in Laramie, Wyoming.
1961 – 2025
Cynthia (Cindy) Lee (Fenster) Youtz passed peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Friday, May 2, 2025, after a five year journey with ALS. Cindy was born in Ainsworth, Nebraska on February 23, 1961 and is preceded in death by her parents, Donald Lee Fenster and Theresa Ann (Rothermel) Fenster; and her brother, Michael George Fenster.
She was one of eight children: Richard, Michael (deceased), Timothy, Nancy Jo Grady, Bernard, Jeffery, and Daniel with whom she shared countless laughs and stories. Cindy was the beloved wife of James Alan Youtz for over 34 years, with whom they have two sons, Joseph Andrew Youtz and Matthew Phillip Youtz. She was the proud grandmother of Grayson Nolan Youtz and loving mother-in-law to Rosario Sarahi (Tapia-Lopez) Youtz.
Cindy was warm, thoughtful, and inquisitive and made it a point to know everyone in the community. She admirably served her community as a probation/parole officer for over 20 years. Cindy enjoyed spending time outdoors admiring her flowers and tending to her bird feeders, sharing stories of her childhood and work adventures, and playing fierce games of Gin Rummy with her family and friends. Throughout her life she would take long walks in any weather with neighbors and friends, and together they would solve the world’s problems. Cindy was a dedicated mother who taught her children the power of hard work and was extremely proud of their accomplishments, from 4H county fair ribbons to college graduations. She faced her ALS diagnosis with grace and was involved in several clinical research trials to help find a cure for others battling the disease. Her kindness, laugh, outcries of “holy buckets”, and practical advice will be deeply missed by all.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to her team of hospice caregivers and nurses who supported Cindy and her family with kindness and compassion in her final years.
A rosary prayer service will be held on May 17, 2025, at 10 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Edgewood, New Mexico with a funeral mass to follow at 11 a.m. and luncheon at the church hall immediately after. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to the Barrow Neurological Institute or ALS New Mexico in her honor.
