William "Bill" Brite

William “Bill” Brite, the Duck Hunter, Has Finished His Last Hunt

William “Bill” Brite has finished his last hunt here on Earth and has set out for the eternal hunting and fishing grounds, where he’s sure to reunite with his dad, Earl Lewis, and Mom, Mabel Elizabeth Lane. Bill passed away on December 27, 2024, at the age of 82, surrounded by the family and love he helped build with unwavering devotion.

Born November 20, 1942, in Springfield, Missouri, Bill graduated from Central High School before answering the call to serve his country. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy as the ship’s medic aboard the USS Stoddard. His life was one of service—from military duty to working as a paramedic, reserve deputy sheriff, volunteer firefighter, and teacher of both hunter safety and CPR.

An Eagle Scout with two palms, Bill lived the Scout Law to its core. He settled in Casper, Wyoming, in 1978, where he and his best fishing buddy, camp cook, and wife of 62 years, Sylvia Louise McDaniel-Brite, built not just a home but a haven. Together, they opened their doors and their hearts to every child who needed love—through birth, foster care, adoption, or just a safe place to land. Daycare kids, neighborhood teens, and countless others knew him simply as Grandpa or Poppa. And all were treated the same—like family.

To try to count Bill’s legacy is to try to count the stars over a quiet Wyoming lake—it simply can’t be done. He lived with a fierce love for family, a passion for the outdoors, and a deep sense of duty to others. His hands were never idle, his door never closed, and his heart never empty.

He is survived by his beloved wife Sylvia, who stood by his side through every adventure, from raising children to midnight rescue calls to fishing trips at first light. He also leaves a legacy of children, grandchildren, great grand children and early last spring welcome his first great great grandchild!

The world is quieter now without his voice, but the echoes of his life—his laugh, his stories, his steady hands, and his generous heart—live on in all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held July 5, 2025 at 2 PM at the VFW 1800 Bryan Stock Trail Casper Wyo 82601 In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Ducks Unlimited in honor of a man who never stopped giving.