Darius Eardley

Darius Walter Eardley, 85, Mountain View, WY, passed away on August 14, 2013.  He was born May 15, 1928 in Lyman, WY to Walter Betson Eardley and Regetta Maryette Walker.  When he was very young, his mother died. He was then raised, first by his Eardley grandparents, and then by Aunt Bill and Uncle Bill McDaniels.

He attended and later graduated from Lyman High School in 1946. He then traveled to Utah State University where for one year he studied Agriculture. In January of 1957, he enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Korean War.  He was part of a tank unit on the front line.

Upon returning from the service, Darius got a job working as a tie hack on the Greys River.  He loved the outdoors.  He loved the job and also the hunting that came along with it.  While there he met the love of his life, Merlyn Fern Lupher, and they were married June 12, 1954 on the Lupher Ranch.  They spent several years living and working on the Greys River.  They were later sealed in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.

Darius and Fern purchased the Byrne Ranch south of Mountain View in 1960. There he and Fern realized their lifetime dream of raising their sons and watching their grandchildren enjoy the ranch. To those who knew him, Darius was a hard worker, and humble, known for his kindness and generosity to his family and community.

Darius is survived by his sons Jim D. (Karen) and Matt (Trica); grandchildren Angie (Don Jones), Jeremy (Kayce), Cody (Stephanie), Mindy, Tim (Tenika), and Duke (Stephanie Jo); great-grandchildren; Preslee, Carson, Coby, Reagan, Ashton, and Chase; brothers-in-law Melvin Platts, Gerald Gardner, and Ken Near; sister-in-law Myrna Lupher, and many special nephews and nieces.

He is preceded in death by his wife, infant daughter, Lisa, his parents, mother-in-law Allene Chase, sisters; Vonda Platts, Lois Gardner and Zoanne Near.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday August 20, 2013, 11 AM at the Mountain View LDS Church.  A viewing will be held Monday from 6 to 8 PM and one hour prior to services at the church.  Interment will follow at the Fort Bridger Cemetery.