MILTON WILLIAM SMALL

A graveside service for Milton William Small, 89, will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, May 7, 2021 at the Wheatland Cemetery in Wheatland, Wyoming with Pastor Tom Peacock officiating. Military rights will be accorded by the Laramie Peak VWF Post 3558 and Ora Call American Legion Post #10.  Masonic rights will be accorded by the Wheatland Masonic Lodge #16 A.F. and A.M.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 A.M. Friday, May 7, 2021 at the United Methodist Church in Wheatland with Pastor Tom Peacock officiating.

Life-long Rancher and Wyoming resident Milton Small, passed away at the Platte County Legacy Home in Wheatland, on Saturday, May 1, 2021.

Milton was born on Sunday, June 21, 1931, to Gilbert and Eunice (Wickam) Small.  He grew up on the family ranch on Mule Creek, attended Sybille rural school as well as school in Wheatland, during the time his father owned a farm on the Wheatland flats.   Milton graduated high school from the Wentworth Military Academy, in Lexington, Missouri.  After high school he attended the University of Wyoming, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1953.  While attending the university, he met the love of his life, Doris Skelton, whom he married on July 18, 1954. They were married almost 62 years.  Milton began his service in the United States Army at the same time he started his married life.  He was originally stationed in California and was then deployed to Germany.  During his deployment, Doris stayed with her parents in Riverton, Wyoming where their first son, Gary, was born.  Upon his return to the United States in February of 1956, Milton and Doris moved to the family ranch on Mule Creek where they welcomed two more children, a daughter, Debbie, and son, Ken.   Milton and Doris resided at the ranch until 2001 when they retired and moved into Wheatland. 

Milton was a dedicated rancher and community member, very committed to his family and his faith.  During his lifetime he was the devoted custodian of Springfield Ranch and the family ranch, making many improvements to the property.  It was important to him that the ranch remain in the family, having been homesteaded by his grandfather.  He served on the District 3 School Board and was president of the Platte County Farm Bureau.  He was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church in Wheatland.  Milton was very involved in the Wheatland Masonic Lodge #16 and was Master in 1967.  He was infamous for his presentation of the Stair Lecture and the role of King Solomon during the 3rd degree.  In addition, he was a member of Scottish and York Rite Masonic bodies.  He received the Knights of the York Cross of Honour and received the Cryptic Mason of the Year award in 2013.  Milton was a 67-year member of Wheatland Chapter No. 11 Order of the Eastern Star and a Past Patron.

Milton and Doris loved to travel and took trips to Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Europe, Mexico, and all over the United States.  They also enjoyed square dancing, and upon their retirement helped with delivering Meals on Wheels around the Wheatland community. 

Milton is survived by his children, Gary (Mary) Small of Loveland, Colorado, Debbie (Keith) Blow of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Ken (Patty) Small of Wheatland; sister Elizabeth Small of Tucson, Arizona; grandchildren, Stephanie (Kory) Russell of Cheyenne, Amanda (Jordan) Costa of San Diego, California, Todd (Kindra) Small of Wheatland, Adam Small of Cheyenne, Sara Small of Clearwater, Florida; and five great grandchildren. 
He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Small and parents, Gilbert and Eunice Small.
Serving as pallbearers will be Todd Small, Adam Small, Kory Russell, Amanda Costa, Kevin Bruce, and Martin Hicks.

Memorials in Milton’s memory should be sent to Wheatland Lodge #16, PO Box 363, Wheatland, Wyoming 82201 would be appreciated by the family.

The Gorman Funeral Homes – Platte Chapel of Wheatland are in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gormanfh.com

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