Robert Dennis Clary

Robert “Bob” Clary, 85, was called Home on June 4, 2024. Bob was born April 19, 1939, in Lewellen Nebraska to Oren V. Clary and Naomi (Riggs) Clary. He was the youngest of two sons. He grew up on the Clary Ranch in Ash Hollow and had an enviable childhood. He loved discovering fossils, exploring caves, and playing “Cowboys and Bandits” with his older brother and live horses. He aspired to be a “singing cowboy” like Gene Autry. At age 6, he performed his first solo in the Lewellen Methodist Church that his Great-Grandfather Denis B. Clary founded.

Robert married his college sweetheart, Deanna “Dee” (Smith) Clary on August 27, 1960 in Cozad, Nebraska. He later graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in Civil Engineering.

The couple moved to Utah when he began working for the Bureau of Reclamation. Their first child, Maryella was born in Utah. Still with the Bureau, the Clary family then moved to Glenwood Springs, CO and welcomed son Daren.

Another job transfer landed the family in Pueblo, Colorado for several years until the Clary’s moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1973. Robert managed the Rocky Mountain Prestress Plant before joining a Business Development Partnership. 

His next venture was as a sole proprietor which he continued until his retirement. Robert collaborated with many other construction professionals on numerous projects in Cheyenne, including renovating the Train Depot, DePaul Hospital, Atlas Theatre, and two major renovations at First United Methodist Church. His construction projects include two award- winning downtown parking structures, several auto dealerships, and office buildings and retail centers in both Cheyenne and Laramie. All of the stone pedestals supporting the bronze statues around downtown Cheyenne were each designed by Robert in his 80’s as a gift to the city. 

Robert had many service projects and gave freely of his time and talent as an engineer: he served on numerous committees at First United Methodist Church, Lions Club, Boy Scouts and the City of Cheyenne. He was passionate about revitalizing downtown Cheyenne. 

Robert’s hobbies include fishing, photography, oil painting, gardening, cross-country skiing, singing, and travel to 19 counties, all of which he did into his late seventies. He was active in the Wyomingaires Barbershop Chorus, sang in the church choir, and sang lead in several quartets.

Bob cared deeply about his family. He is survived by his brother Warren Clary, Daughter Maryella (Clary) Young, Son Daren Clary, Grandson Nathan Young, Nathan’s wife Molly, Great-grandson Leo Young, as well as cousins, nephews and nieces. 

Those gone before him include his parents, and wife Dee. 

Bob’s legacy lives on through the buildings and structures that will stand the test of time, his numerous service projects, the Church he gave his time and talent to, his many friends, and the family he loved. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to an organization that Robert supported: 

1. Lions Foundation of Wyoming - specify Lions Camp or Vision Project
2. First United Methodist Church of Cheyenne
3. Alzheimer’s Association

Services will be at First United Methodist Church of Cheyenne at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 19, 2024. Livestreaming on the First United Methodist Church – Cheyenne, WY Facebook page. 

Robert never forgot his Clary Ranch roots in Ash Hollow Nebraska. He was especially proud of numerous Paleoindian Archeological Excavations that took place there from 1979-2004. 

He will be surrounded by family and close friends when he is placed to rest at the family site at Ash Hollow Cemetery in Lewellen on Friday June 21, 11 a.m.