Ty Emmett Berning

Ty Emmett Berning, or just “Emmett” when he was in trouble--which was often--decided Heaven was a better place to be on December 10, 2023, in Powell, Wyoming.  He probably thought the rivers run deep with ice cold Coors, as one friend wished for him.  Another friend said he is probably selling someone a tailgate right now up there.  Or maybe he wanted to hunt and fish with Gramps (the late Smitty bear Smith of El Dorado Springs, MO) again and just couldn’t wait any longer.

When asked, “Where are you from?”, Ty’s answer was always “El Dorado Springs,” even though he lived there for only 11 months, starting on September 12, 2002, of his short 21 years.  Ty moved to Columbia, MO, so his mother, Heather (Omer) Conrow (Franklin, MO) could attend the University of Missouri.  Unbeknownst to him, he attended college before he could walk and became an honorary MU student in the Animal Science Department, attending classes and “helping” with research as his mom finished her degrees.  He attended Two Mile Prairie Elementary School in Columbia, where he was sent to the principal’s office on the first day of kindergarten.  Ty and the principal developed a strong relationship through frequent visits. 

Ty was baptized on November 1, 2009, at Prairie Grove Baptist Church in Columbia, MO.  He continued to grow in his faith while attending Chariton Hills Rodeo Bible Camp.  Ty learned how to ride bulls and got some Jesus, too.  Camp closed with a rodeo where Ty was one of very few to complete their ride every year.  He loved the feel of the rope and excitement he felt when the gate opened.  He was awarded the Walk It Talk It Belt Buckle Award (sportsmanship) every year he attended.

Ty will also tell you he was “homeless” twice, having to live in a camper at a campground.  A move to Franklin, MO, ended his homelessness.  Franklin is where, according to friends, he drove like dumb boys do and raced in every spot he shouldn’t, ran the hell out of their trucks and burned tires off, and where some good times were spent in the tree stand.  

After graduating high school in 2021 from New Franklin, MO, he headed west to Minatare, NE, to spend some “growing up” time with his father, Jacob (Julie) Berning.  Everyone who knew him, knew the “growing up” never happened.  Ty went west again to Laramie, WY, to attend WyoTech.  It took two tries, but he finally graduated in 2023 with a degree in Diesel Technology and an associate degree in Applied Service Management.  His journey west continued when he moved to Powell, WY, where he worked for C & B Operations, played pool, bowled, drank beer, and was adopted into a family of great friends. 

Ty rocked the “only child” title until 2015 when an explosion occurred, and he gained six siblings in the span of eight years.  Even though he was 13 years older than his closest sibling, Ty was actively involved in their lives.  He loved wrestling with his brothers (Evan Berning, James (J.P.) Conrow, Hadley Conrow, and Ethan Berning) and his sister, Austyn Conrow when they were little.  Although, once they started getting bigger and stronger, he was a little less willing to roughhouse.  He played, cuddled, and loved on them all, and even changed diapers with a little less enthusiasm.  Unfortunately, his youngest sister, Kennedy Conrow, will never remember meeting her brother, but she will get to know him through the stories and memories shared by all who loved him.     

During Ty’s younger years, he enjoyed skateboarding (long hair and all), roller hockey, baseball, and riding 4-wheelers at Uncle Josh’s.  Ty loved to hunt and fish and spend time outside, if it didn’t involve chickens, or eggs, or chicken houses, or chicken litter.  Ty’s need for speed and dare-deviling ways were well-known and started at an early age.  He started out wrecking a dune buggy and got his first concussion.  Ty then went on to wreck two vehicles, one of which resulted in several serious injuries, including concussion number two.  He liked driving crazy on big tires.  It’s probably a good thing that one of his hobbies included buying junk vehicles with the goal of fixing them up, which usually didn’t come to fruition.  Other hobbies included bowling, sleeping, taking showers, getting out of getting tickets from law enforcement, and of course, drinking Coors Banquet.  Ty loved the mountains and often said he was the happiest he had ever been when out west.  With a love of mountains came another need-for-speed hobby, skiing, which resulted in concussion number three.  This might explain some things.  

Ty didn’t stick around on Earth long enough to realize his dream of owning a ranch with his best friend, Dillon Sheetz, or see Donald Trump in the oval office again (if that does happen) or have kids of his own.  He had the best (fake) baby announcement, though.  While bowling with the family, his mom switched back to bowling granny style.  He asked, “Switching back to granny style, huh?”  His mom said, “Yep, it seems to work best for me.”  With a very serious straight face he replied, “That’s good because you’re going to be one.”  Epic Ty.    

After Ty’s death, there was an outpouring of stories, memories, hugs, prayers, love, and support.  Ty was often described by those who loved him as “the funniest guy to be around,” “life of the party,” “full of laughter and had a big heart,” “legend of a man,” “sweetest person,” “best friend,” “brother,” and “part of the family.”  He was the king of the one-liner comebacks, caring and hardworking, and always stayed on the bright side of things.  He would do anything for you including helping set up an 8-year-old girl’s birthday party decorations and then spending all day at her party. He was full of life, love, and laughter. 

There are a lot of family and friends still here to share stories and keep Ty’s memory around:  grandparents Sue Smith (El Dorado Springs, MO), Roger and Sharon Berning (El Dorado Springs, MO), and step-grandparents Laverne Conrow (Glasgow, MO), Doug and Lisa Nelson (Tucson, AZ), and Tamera Boyt (Neosho, MO);  Aunts and uncles Sarah (Victor) Stone (El Dorado Springs, MO), Ashley (Kurt) Priebe (Nixa, MO), and Josh (Tara) Berning (El Dorado Springs, MO); and plenty of cousins to carry on the memory of Ty, including Aubrey Wills, Anna, Mia, and Braelyn Priebe, Michaela Hicks, and Kade Collins.

Ty met up with Gramps (2005) at the gates of Heaven for a tour and to get his fishing pole.  Gramps is hoping to beat Ty this time, unlike the last time they went fishing together.  After their fishing trip, they joined Ty’s step-grandpa (James Conrow of Glasgow, MO) around the fire to hear stories of tobacco farming and drink a Coors Banquet.  Sitting by Ty is his beloved dog, Avery, who is soaking up the tail scratches.  He’s missed Ty.  On Ty’s shoulder is Lucky the Mouse who was not lucky at all in the Conrow house.  All is well in Heaven while we mourn here on Earth.

A time of fellowship, celebration, storytelling, and laughter will take place at Faith Family Summit Youth Building (680 Hwy 240, Fayette, MO 5248) on February 17 from 5 to 7pm.  Celebration will continue with bowling at Glasgow Community Lanes in Glasgow, MO. 

A casting ceremony is planned for June 1, 2024, in Laramie, WY.

Graveside services for final ashes will be at Tennessee Chapel Cemetery, next to Gramps, in El Dorado Springs, MO with details yet to be determined.