Howard Gernant

March 26, 1947 - August 31, 2024

Howard Gernant’s long goodbye from Alzheimer’s ended on Aug. 31, 2024, in the family home with his family around him as he wished.

Howard was born on March 26, 1947, to Otto and Doris Gernant of Emblem, Wyo. He attended school in Emblem through the eighth grade and he graduated from Greybull High School in 1965.  He attended Northwest College for two years and graduated from the University of Wyoming in August of 1969. He accepted a job teaching ag in Kaycee, Wyo., where he started the ag chapter.  It was while teaching there that he met and fell in love with the new home ec teacher.  He and Carol were married on May 26, 1974, in Emblem, Wyo., and were blessed to have just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in May.  Howard and Carol moved to Emblem where Howard farmed with his dad and brother for 21 years until health issues and circumstances forced him to quit.  He then took over as the manager of the Big Horn County Fair — a job he absolutely loved. He also worked as an activity bus driver for Greybull and Basin schools and as the bus barn manager until he retired in 2016.

Howard’s great love in life was working with youth and helping them in any way he could whether it was on the farm, at the fairgrounds, while teaching, driving bus, or helping with 4-H or FFA events.  Howard received the honorary chapter farmer degree from several local chapters, an honorary State FFA farmer degree, and an honorary American farmer degree.  He also was named the Rocky Mountain Fair Association Fair Manager of the Year in 2008, an honor he was very proud of. Howard was a member of the State Fair Advisory Board, the swine superintendent at the Wyoming State Fair for 10 years, a member of the REA board, a member of the Grace and Zion Lutheran church councils, and longtime Lions club member.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents Otto and Doris Gernant, sister Kathy Gernant, and his nephew Kevin Coash.  

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carol of the family home; three daughters whom he adored always — Carrie Gernant of Cheyenne, Wyo., Sara (Shane) Howe of Buffalo, Wyo., and Jenna (Rob) Evans of Peyton, Colo.; five grandkids — Bailey, Sydney and Brinley Howe, and Madison and Conner Evans; one sister, Fern McLaughlin of Tucson, Ariz.; one brother, DuWayne Gernant of Firestone, Colo., and numerous nieces and nephews and close cousins.

There will be a graveside service for close friends and family at the Emblem Cemetery to take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, followed by a Celebration of Life reception everyone is encouraged to attend at the Big Horn County Fairgrounds in Basin, Wyo., at 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 7, 2024.

A memorial fund has been established in Howard’s name at all Big Horn Federal locations. Per Howard’s request, any memorial donations will go to the Big Horn County Fair to help with the completion of their hog barn.  Condolences can be mailed to P.O. Box 295, Greybull, WY 82426.  Funeral arrangements provided by Haskell Funeral Home.