Wesley Lewis Gormley

Feb. 14, 1928 - Feb. 19, 2025

Wesley Lewis Gormley, a devoted and caring husband, brother, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully in Cody, Wyo., on Feb. 19, 2025, shortly after celebrating his 97th birthday. 

Wesley was born Feb. 14, 1928, in Burlington, Wyo., in the same home where all his siblings were born. The son of Wesley Palmer Gormley and Theresa Martilla Preator, Wesley had four sisters and three brothers. Wesley loved growing up in Wyoming, working on the family farm and being captain of the high school football team. After graduating from Burlington High School, Wesley joined the army and served as Company Clerk. He met his future wife, Elaine Eloise Markham, and they were married on Aug. 4, 1951, in Denver, Colo. They raised four children together: Shelley, Sandra, Wesley and David.

Wesley was a successful businessman and instilled that same entrepreneurial spirit in his children. As he pursued his businesses, the family had the opportunity to live in North Dakota and Colorado, but Wesley’s love was always for his small hometown, Burlington. After retiring and serving a mission together for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from 1990-1992, Wesley and Elaine returned to Burlington. They built a house with a 1 1/2-acre yard that Wesley said was needed so his grandkids would have a place to run.

Wesley made sure that there was a fun family trip every summer. He enjoyed time with his children and grandchildren fishing, boating, shooting fireworks, riding ATVs and snowmobiling.

Wesley was a loving husband to Elaine throughout their marriage. He encouraged, loved and supported her fight with cancer in the 1970s and spent countless hours with her as she struggled with dementia towards the end of her life.

Wesley was always willing to give business advice to the numerous people who asked, and he often helped others having financial difficulties with little or no recognition for himself. Wesley and Elaine established a legacy of faith as they served in many capacities for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Wesley was preceded in death by his sweetheart Elaine, parents Wesley and Theresa, his seven siblings, son-in-law Duncan Mckee, and granddaughter Emily Mckee.

He is survived by his children Shelley D. Seilbach, Sandra H. Mckee, Wesley T. Gormley, David L. Gormley and 26 grandchildren, 57 great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren.