Dec
6
Services provided by
Gillette Memorial ChapelDrew Dean Essen, 79, of Terry, Montana passed away in Billings, Montana on November 15, 2025. Drew was born October 9, 1946 in Norfolk, Nebraska to Howard and Lois Essen. He was one of four children. After graduating high school, Drew became an independent contractor and moved to Gillette, Wyoming. He married his love, Paula Watson, on January 16, 1971. To this union he and Paula had four boys. Drew was an avid fisherman and also enjoyed hunting. He taught all of his boys how to fish. His favorite place to fish was the Yellowstone River. Drew moved to Terry, Montana after his wife, Paula, passed away in 2010. There, Drew lived for fifteen years until his passing.
Drew is preceded in death by his wife of thirty-nine years, Paula, parents Howard and Lois, his brother Howard, a niece and nephew, René Tennison and Sean Essen, and a grandson, Trevor Essen.
He is survived by his four sons Eric (Gayla) Essen, Kim (Kimberly) Essen, Anthony Essen and Ronald Essen, eight grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, two sisters Roma Camerata and Claudette Matthews, and many nieces and nephews.
A casual gathering is scheduled for December 6, 2025 at 11:00 am, 1040 Larch Street, Gillette, Wyoming 82718. Per request, save your money for fishing bait, no flowers please.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
210 West 5th St., Gillette, WY 82716

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreDec
6
Services provided by
Gillette Memorial Chapel