Thomas Patrick Delaney

Obituary
Thomas P. Delaney
July 19, 1942 – August 25, 2025
Thomas P. Delaney of rural Greybull, passed away on August 25, 2025 at the age of 83. Born on July 19, 1942, in Oxford, Iowa, to John and Viola (Sampson) Delaney, Tom lived a full life marked by family, hard work, and deep roots in his communities.
Tom's love of sports and leadership emerged early. After graduating from Davenport High School, he attended the University of Wyoming on a football scholarship, where he was named co-captain his senior year. Following college, he signed a contract with the Boston Patriots. While his time in professional football was brief, his passion for the game continued through a decorated coaching career at Wheatland High School, Lusk High School, and later at his alma mater, the University of Wyoming. He cherished the opportunity to mentor countless players, many of whom carried his lessons with them long beyond the field.
In 1967, Tom married Martha Simpson, and three children were born to this union-Patrick, Tim, and Erin. In 1975, the family settled in Worland, where Tom began what would become a 35-year career in the irrigation business. A pioneer of pivot irrigation in the Big Horn Basin, he worked tirelessly to serve farmers and ranchers across Wyoming. His knowledge, integrity, and commitment to service earned the trust and friendship of his many customers, who often became lifelong friends.
After the heartbreaking loss of Marty to cancer in 1983, Tom was blessed to find love again with Deany Teigen (Eckhardt), whom he married in 1986. Along with their life together, Tom embraced Deany's three children-Tavell (Bunny), Stacy, and Roy-as his own, building a blended family rooted in love and devotion.
Service and leadership were woven into Tom's character. He gave his time generously, serving on the Worland School Board, the Shell Canal Board, the University of Wyoming Alumni Association Board, and Big Horn County Citizens for Economic Development. He found some of his most fulfilling work serving 25 years on the Big Horn Rural Electric Association Board of Directors, including 19 years as chairman, and 21 years on the Wyoming Rural Electric Association Board of Directors, including 2 years as chairman.
Alongside his professional and service work, Tom also shared his love of the outdoors. For 16 years, he and his closest friend, Stan Flitner, operated an outfitting business guiding hunters in the Big Horn Mountains. Those seasons in the high country brought him not only adventure and countless stories, but deep friendships and memories that lasted a lifetime.
Beyond titles and achievements, Tom will be remembered most for his relationships. He valued people above all else-teammates who became brothers, players who became family, customers who became friends, and friends who became lifelong companions. He carried with him a warm laugh, a quick wit, and a fierce loyalty that touched all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Viola; siblings Richard Delaney and Alice Clark, and his first wife, Marty. Tom leaves behind a legacy of love, leadership, and service.
He is survived by his wife, Deany; his children Patrick Delaney of Jackson, WY; Tim (Kristi) Delaney of Hastings, NE; Erin Cafferty of Rapid City, SD; Tavell (Jeff) Peete of Billings, MT; Stacy (Joe) Cortez of Greybull; and Roy Teigen of Hurricane, UT; his grandchildren: Ben Delaney, Kate Delaney, Taylor Delaney, Anna Cafferty, JT Cafferty, Madison Peete, Sharli Kiner, Jacee Cortez, Kayli Steadman, Mara Teigen, Sam Teigen, and 9 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a large extended family and countless friends whose lives he touched through his generosity, loyalty, and humor.
A celebration of Tom's life will be held at the park in Shell, Wyoming on Saturday, September 20 at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Shell Hall or Shell Volunteer Fire Department. Please send checks to PO Box 524 Worland, Wyoming 82401. Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.