Donald Gehrett

Donald R Gehrett II, 56, of Gillette, Wyoming, and Fish Haven, Idaho, passed away on Friday, August 8, 2025, in Murray, Utah. His passing came after a hard-fought battle with severe complications from surgery. True to his spirit, Donnie met this challenge with quiet strength and steadfast courage, holding on with all his heart for those he loved.

Donnie was born on March 24, 1969, in Casper, Wyoming, to Barbara Kay Hagle and Donald Ray Gehrett. Not long after, the family's story continued with the arrival of his sisters Cathy, Jennifer, and Shannon, marking the early chapters of his life.

Donnie graduated from Natrona County High School in 1987. His youth was spent in the saddle and under wide western skies, riding horses and hunting alongside friends and family. He carried a deep love of history, often losing himself in books about America's past or programs on the History Channel. He found joy in target shooting and took pride in building and collecting firearms. In later years, he traded the open range for the camaraderie of dart league nights, where the laughter was as steady as his aim.

Donnie's talents seemed endless. He could build a structure from the ground up, cook a meal that warmed both the body and soul, and sew with the skill of a craftsman. His quilts, stitched with care, became treasured gifts for his family. Helping others came naturally to him. Whether that meant fixing what was broken, sharing what he had, or quite literally, giving the shirt off his back. His kindness was steady, his generosity unmeasured, and his compassion a constant gift to all who knew him.

Throughout his life, Donnie was blessed with five children. This began with his daughters: Amber (1986) and Sara (1988). In 1992, he married Dottie Shreve, and during their marriage, they welcomed three sons: Donny (1993), Colton (1998), and Austin (2000). He took pride in providing for his family and treasured the time he spent with them.

Among the greatest joys of his life were his grandchildren. His grandsons, Logan, Kaleb, and Damian, brought him endless happiness. He was overjoyed to welcome his first granddaughter, Anya, in May of 2025. He adored each of them with all his being, cherishing every moment he could spend in their company and holding them close in both heart and spirit.

A dedicated and hardworking man, Donnie spent 21 years with Western Gas/Anadarko and Occidental Petroleum before retiring at the age of 55. His work ethic, loyalty, and determination were evident in everything he did, both in his career and in life.

In 2021, Donnie began a relationship with the great love of his life, LaShawn Foulkes. Though their time together was far too short, it was filled with love, laughter, and adventure. They built a life that spanned Idaho, Arizona, and Wyoming. Their journeys eventually led them to a beautiful condo in Mexico, which was a place that captured their hearts and became a treasured getaway. Through his life with LaShawn, Donnie's circle of love grew even wider. He welcomed her family as part of his own, embracing each new relationship with warmth and generosity. Among his greatest joys were three young grandchildren whose laughter and presence he treasured, loving them as if they had always been his own. His final years were spent by LaShawn's side, traveling and creating moments that became lasting treasures for all who loved him.

Donnie is survived by his children: Amber (Andy) Gehrett and grandsons Logan, Kaleb, and Damian, Sara (Ricky) Becker and grandchildren Boston and Zayley of Casper, Donald R Gehrett III, Colton (Rachel) Gehrett and granddaughter Anya Kay, and Austin Gehrett of Gillette; He is also survived by his sisters Cathy (Bob) Aplanalp, Jennifer (Barry) French, and Shannon (Art) Delgado, of Casper, as well as numerous cousins and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Barbara Gehrett; his mother-in-law, Georgia Japp, and father-in-law, David Shreve; along with three uncles and four aunts.