William “Willie” R. Velos passed away April 4, 2012 at his Sheridan residence.

He was born in Sheridan WY on November 11, 1956 to Bill and Eileen (Casey) Velos. The family moved to Hawthorn NV in 1959 and lived there until 1973 when they moved to Wyola, MT. Willie graduated from Lodge Grass High School in 1976. After graduation he worked as on the track crew for Burlington Northern Railroad until 1979. He joined the United States Army in 1979 and was stationed most of that time in Germany. He met Dianna Lasso while stationed in Germany. They married in 1982 and moved to Fort Collins Co. They later divorced. He worked as a custodian at the University of Colorado until 1996 when he moved to Huntly, IL to spend time with his brother Pete. Willie moved back to Sheridan in 1999 and started working as a custodian for Sheridan School District at Sagebrush. Willie loved working at Sagebrush especially when his Great Nieces Ashley and Alexis Bates started school there. Ashley was the only kid at Sagebrush that was happy to stay after school because she got to stay and help Uncle Willie. Willie was well liked by kids and staff alike. They enjoyed his sense of humor and willingness to help out when needed.

Willie also worked for 10 years as custodian for the VFW. He was affectionately known as “Swillie” by everyone who came in they were his extended family. When ever there was a special event coming up he would be at the club early, stripping and waxing to his favorite song “Burn it to the ground”, making sure the place was shinning.

He was preceded in death by both parents, brothers Corky and Pete.

He is survived by, companion Louis Bard of Sheridan. Sister Donna (Tony) Baumgartner, Brother Pat Shane, Niece Toni (Chad) Bates, Great Nieces Ashley and Alexis Bates, Niece Kayla (Josh) Morris, Great Nephews Spencer and Mason Morris, Niece Billie (Jason) Nelson, Great Niece Emma Nelson and Great Nephew Royce Nelson all of Sheridan. Niece Nick Velos Huntley, IL. And his extended VFW family.

I hope whatever demons you had eating at your soul that caused you to leave us in this way are gone and you are at peace. We will miss you and love you always.

Champion Ferries Funeral Home is in charge of his cremation.

Donations maybe made in his name to the Wyoming Suicide Prevention.

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