Adrian Harvey Soper: Oct. 11, 1939 – March 9, 2022
Adrian was born Oct. 11, 1939 in Manhattan, Kansas to Franklin E. and Thelma V. (Dix) Soper. The eldest child of three, Adrian graduated from Manhattan High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy shortly after.
Adrian met and fell in love with Loretta Maye Cain, and they married in 1958. Together they had four sons, born from one side of the U.S. to the other due to the Navy life. Their love took the long road, and Adrian and Loretta divorced in 1968, only to be remarried again in 1983.
Adrian was a proud Navy veteran who served multiple enlistments and had multiple tours aboard the USS Enterprise during the Vietnam War. He was a plank owner of the USS Arlington and the USS Enterprise. Adrian attended the commissioning of the Enterprise in Newport News, Virginia as well as its 50th Anniversary Reunion prior to decommissioning.
After his military service, he worked for General Electric’s nuclear division in San Jose, California for many years, and later for Dow Corning in Riverside, California. He also attended Evergreen College in San Jose. In the 1990s, Adrian and Loretta had enough of California and relocated to Casper, Wyoming. Adrian continued to work a few years at Eastridge Mall, Casper Elks Lodge, and Town of Evansville until he retired.
Adrian loved to be surrounded by family, especially his grandchildren. His beloved dogs were also never far away. In his younger years, he enjoyed riding motorcycles and once rode 20 hours nonstop from California to Wyoming to see Loretta prior to their reunion. He loved to cook and feed a meal to family, as well as visit a good restaurant. Adrian was also a member of Casper Elks Lodge and VFW.
Adrian is survived by sister Patricia Pearson (Fred) of Osage City, KS; brother David Soper (Debbie) of Salina, KS; sons James (Trina), Steve (Tonya), and Kris, all of Casper; daughters-in-law Pat Spillman of Sheridan, WY and “Pete” Soper of Mills, WY; 11 grandchildren Doug, Shawna, Kendall, Amberlea, Adam, Melanie, J.D., Josh, Justin, Nathan, and Tyler; and several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Loretta, parents Frank & Thelma, and son Clyde.
Military funeral services and interment will take place March 18, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. at Oregon Trail Veteran’s Cemetery in Evansville, Wyoming.
Thomas (Tom) E. Slocum: Sept. 3, 1946 – Feb. 27, 2022
Thomas (Tom) E. Slocum passed into heaven on February 27, 2022 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Tom had suffered from frontal temporal dementia, a form of Alzheimer’s Disease, for many years.
Tom was born in Hoisington, Kansas on September 3, 1946. He learned the value of working hard at an early age since he had five brothers and his mom was a single working mother. He spent his early years growing up in Colorado and in Nebraska, where he was a wrestler and a Nebraska Golden Glove champion.
In 1967, Tom moved to Thermopolis, Wyoming, where his stepdad and mom had been transferred. Tom’s two younger brothers, Rich and Steve, introduced Tom to their friend, Carlene Robertson, and they were pretty much inseparable after their first date.
Tom and Carlene were married on June 3, 1968 and moved to Casper, Wyoming to attend Casper College. This is where their daughter, Ceri, and their son, Stephen, was born and raised. He taught his children through example to work hard and provide well for your family. His lessons paid off. Tom was extremely proud of his children and their accomplishments. During his working years, Tom’s favorite job was owning Slocum’s Underground Bar and Lounge. He made many friends and formed lasting friendships at Slocum’s. When he wasn’t working, Tom loved to play golf and have a few beers with his son and/or friends. Later, his favorite golf partner was Carlene. He also loved watching NC and KW football games. His favorite dog was named Lincoln and he loved Neil Diamond songs. Casper became Tom and Carlene’s home until 2020, when they moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee to be closer to their daughter and her family as the Alzheimer’s progressed. Tom was a fighter and met each challenge the very best he could. His great legacy is Ceri and Steve and those amazing grandchildren, who all have their favorite “grampa” stories. Also, he never met a stranger and liked pretty much everyone.
Tom is survived by his wife of almost 54 years Carlene of Apison, TN; children Ceri Hampton (Bryan) of Chattanooga, TN, Stephen Slocum (Debbie) of Richland, WA, and Thomas Ligenza (Karla) of Myrtle Beach, SC; grandchildren Alissa and Justin of Richland, WA and Isabel, Elijah and Nathaniel of Chattanooga, TN; brothers Leon, Doug, and Rodney (Karen); and nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his two brothers Stephen and Richard.
Tom’s remains have been cremated and he will be returned to Wyoming, his favorite place to live.
Tom Slocum always said he had a good life and if you played a part in it, thank you!
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