Ivan Monroe McWilliams passed away Saturday, Feb. 23, at his home in Evanston. He was born Feb. 17, 1944, in Twin Falls, Idaho, to Austin B., and Marinell (Whitman) McWilliams.
Ivan is survived by his wife, Karen; siblings, Ethel (Dick) Halsey, Korky (Cindy) McWilliams and Frosty (Cindy) McWilliams; his son, John Ivan (Annie) McWilliams; daughters, Mary Lynn (John) Gilberto, Monica Dee (Michael) Watson and Wendy May Becker; stepchildren, Shane Drombroski, Trena Gregory, Rosie Rivera, Bernadette (Albert) Mora, Patricia (Manuel) Sepulveda and Joe Trujillo; grandchildren, Richard Matchett, Krystal Moea’i, Melissa McWilliams, Justin McWilliams, Austin McWilliams, Christopher Watson, Lucas Watson, Jocelyn Watson, Ann Emerick, Lindsey Becker, Evan Becker, Jeff Gregory, Sandy Lucchino, Shasta Knudsen, Karen Casper and Jennifer Stacy; and great-grandchildren; Jasper Ivan and Maverick Sefa.
Ivan served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of sergeant. He was a true patriot and loved his country. Ivan was very involved as a member with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in Evanston and participated in many service projects and fundraisers through the years.
Ivan retired from the Wyoming State Hospital in 2007, after serving many years in maintenance. He greatly enjoyed his work and the people there.
Ivan also worked at many other jobs throughout his life, including ranch hand, jockey, cowboy, mustanger, bartender, construction worker, ranch foreman, cook and restaurant owner. He enjoyed hunting with his friends, Carlos and Herb, and camping outdoors, spending many summers at Galen’s ranch.
Ivan was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Austin Lee and Jasper Reece; and wife, Angie (Angelina) Randall.
Informal memorial services are planned for 11 a.m. June 15, at Viola Cemetery, east of LaBarge. A potluck and celebration of life will follow at his favorite campground in Evanston, starting at 5 p.m. There will also be a celebration of life at the VFW Hall in Evanston on Friday, June 14, from 1-5 p.m.
Condolences may be made at www.crandallfhevanston.com.
