Marion Eltie McCartney

Marion Eltie McCartney of Elk Mountain, Wyoming, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025, surrounded by family at Davis Hospice Center in Cheyenne. He was 78 years old.

Marion was born March 7, 1947, in Wheatland, Wyoming, to James and Becky (Mills) McCartney. He graduated from Wheatland High School and attended the University of Wyoming following his military service. Marion was a proud veteran, serving in the Army from 1966-1968 in Germany as a Special Atomic Demolition Munitions Specialist. He served in the Wyoming Army National Guard as an Artillery Specialist from 1971-1972. An avid outdoorsman, he worked for the U.S. Forest Service and Wyoming Game and Fish in the early 1970s. Following an accident in 1976 which left him a paraplegic, Marion became a skilled gunsmith, master tinkerer, and continued to hunt and fish for many years. He enjoyed several hobbies, including fly tying, flint knapping, leather working, blacksmithing and forge work, gardening, spending time in his shop, and exploring the wilds of Wyoming. Marion served as the Mayor of Elk Mountain for two terms, as Commander of American Legion Post 64, and was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. Marion shared his expertise freely and provided sage advice when asked. He was a friend and mentor to many.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie (Stringer) McCartney of Elk Mountain, Wyoming; daughter Kerrie (McCartney) Evans and granddaughter Sidney Evans of Gardiner, Montana; son and daughter-in-law Brian and Stephanie Woods of Riverton, Wyoming, and grandchildren Tyler Woods, Makaedyn Woods, Cole Barrett, Jade Barrett, Carver Woods and Elizabeth Woods; granddaughter Kayle Woods of Los Angeles, California; sister-in-law Mary (Consoliver) McCartney (Leroy) of Cheyenne, Wyoming; nephew and niece-in-law Brandon and Amanda (Neubeck) McCartney and great nieces Gemma and Olivia of Cheyenne, Wyoming; nephew Brett McCartney of Cheyenne, Wyoming; niece Rebekah (Bray) Huntington of Fruita, Colorado; niece Cindy (McCartney) Barton of Alachua, Florida; and brother Robert McCartney of Tahlequah, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by brothers Tom and Leroy, and daughter Jenny Wilds.

Solace should be taken in knowing Marion is again whole and free from pain and illness. He has walked ahead to set up camp and light a fire to welcome all friends and family. A celebration of life will be held in Elk Mountain, Wyoming, in summer 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to American Legion William Horne Post 64, P.O. Box 80, Elk Mountain, Wyoming 82324.

“He prayeth best, who loveth best / All things both great and small; / For the dear God who loveth us / He made and loveth all,” The Rime of the Ancient Mariner