John Ralph Haley III

Dec. 5, 1947 – Oct. 19, 2025

John Ralph Haley III, 77, a lifelong Big Horn Basin resident, passed away suddenly on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, at his home in Shell, Wyo.

John was born Dec. 5, 1947, in Basin, Wyo., to parents John and Geraldine (Langwell) Haley. He grew up in Greybull, where he graduated from Greybull High School in 1966. During his youth, he was active in 4-H, FFA, and the local fair, developing a strong work ethic and a love for agriculture that would carry throughout his life.

On July 12, 1965, John married his high school sweetheart, Kathleen Ann Neiman, in Driggs, Idaho. Together they built a beautiful life and raised four children in Greybull before moving to Shell about 45 years ago.

John dedicated much of his career to serving his community and working with his hands. He worked as fair manager for the Big Horn County Fair for about nine years and later as facilities overseer for the Wyoming State Fair for approximately three years. In addition, he spent time as a long-haul truck driver, providing faithfully for his family through hard work and determination.

He was an avid football fan, proudly cheering for his Denver Broncos, and loved the great outdoors—especially hunting and fishing. His sense of humor and passion for rural life shone through in everything he did. As his son Mike fondly recalled, “He got out of the sheep business — and then he got back into it.” John truly loved his “crazy sheep.”

Among his prized possessions was his 1969 Oldsmobile, which he maintained with the same care and pride that he brought to every aspect of his life.

John is survived by his loving wife Kathy of 60 years; his children: John, Mike (Tracy), and Dale (Jessie) Haley, and Toni (Justin) Winkler, all of Greybull, Wyo.; his sister Jerryle Morrow of Emory, Texas; 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward his spirit and love. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Jillray Greenfield.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring. Cremation has taken place at the Antelope Butte Crematory in Greybull. Arrangements have been entrusted to Atwood Family Funeral Directors.