Bruce Lyman Bartholomew 84, of Dayton, WY, died Saturday, August 15, 2009 in the Sheridan V. A. Nursing Home Care Unit in Sheridan, WY.

Bruce, the eldest of two children, was born in Chippewa Falls, WI on April 5, 1925 to Wilbur and Florence (Luce) Bartholomew.

He attended schools in Beloit, WI. Bruce enlisted in the U. S. Army and was captured during the Battle of the Bulge and was a prisoner of war until the war ended.

Bruce married Eleanor Kravick on August 7, 1948 in Beloit, and then moved from Wisconsin to Dayton, WY in 1953 where the Bartholomew’s owned and operated a grocery store. Bruce became Dayton’s Postmaster in 1957 and held that position until his retirement in 1991. He has been a resident at the Veteran’s Administration in Sheridan since 2005.

His position as postmaster gave him the opportunity to make many friends. He was an active member of the Dayton Community Church where he served as ‘greeter’ with his firm handshake to all who entered. This quiet man was a pillar in his community. Bowling was his favorite hobby.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, David Bartholomew.

He is survived by his wife, Eleanor; two daughters, Teri Laya and Barbara Yardas, both of Ranchester, WY; four granddaughters and two great grandsons.

Funeral service will be 2:00pm on Wednesday (Aug. 19th) from the Dayton Community Church with the Rev. Dennis Goodin officiating. Interment will be in the Dayton Cemetery. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials may benefit the Dayton Community Church Building Fund, in care of Teri Laya, Box 6, Ranchester, WY 82839.

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