Dean Arlis Waddell

Dean Arlis Waddell passed from this Earth on August 24, 2023 surrounded by his family. He was born to Lenore and Archie Waddell on November 10, 1956 in Billings, Montana, the youngest of five siblings. Dean grew up with a passion for sports, playing football, wrestling, and running track for the Laurel Locomotives. Upon graduation, he attended Montana State University in Bozeman and will forever be a Bobcat. Dean went to work for Boise Cascade and Burlington Northern and was assigned to Greybull, WY in 1980 as a conductor. He valued his time with the railroad, and made many friends and memories along the way. 

In 1990, Dean met the loves of his life in Sheila (Oliver) and their son Jared. They were married on August 7, 1993 at their home in Greybull. They lived happily, growing an award winning garden by day and dancing the night away. Dean loved his family fiercely, and developed his amazing coaching skills from the stands while watching Jared. He continued to use that skill as a volunteer football coach, later being hired to coach the volleyball and girls basketball teams for Greybull schools. He developed great friendships on the field and court with both his fellow coaches and the many student athletes that he worked with and cherished these relationships beyond measure. 

He started working for Big Horn County School District #3 as a paraprofessional, first in the elementary school, and progressing his way up to the high school finding his true calling in the life skills classroom. His compassion and patience helped many fine young people find success. He loved his job, coworkers, and even more so his students. He helped to start the Buff Ranch, using his passion for gardening to provide skills and experience for students to take into the real world. 

Dean was an avid outdoorsman, spending every spare moment hunting, fishing, camping or telling stories about any of the above. He never turned down an opportunity to meet up with his buddies, whether at Mystic, Sunshine or in the mountains.  He passed that love to his son and grandchildren, buying each of them a fishing pole and more tackle than he would admit. Being a grandparent was his favorite role, and probably the one he was the best at. 

Dean is survived by his wife of 30 years, Sheila as well as their son Jared (Renae) Waddell, grandchildren Jayden, Cameron, and Nathan, siblings Alan Waddell, Di Finley, Gary (Pam) Waddell, and Randy Waddell as well as many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Lenore Waddell, brother in law Bob Finley, and sister in law Lilly Waddell. 

Funeral services will be held on September 9, 2023 at 11 am in the auditorium at Greybull High School, 732 North 6th St. Greybull, WY 82426. A reception will follow at the First Baptist Church, 21 State Highway 30, Basin, Wy 82410.