John Fanos

“A life well lived.”  John George Fanos, 90, passed away on Monday, July 25, 2016.  He was born on June 13, 1926 in Superior, Wyoming to George and Zoe Fanos.

After graduating from Rock Springs High School, John served his country honorably in the United States Army Air Corp.  On December 5, 1948 he married Barbara Lorberau and they enjoyed 67 years together.

John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.  His humor, wit and mischievous charm will be missed by his family and many friends. He is survived by his wife Barbara Fanos of Bridger Valley, WY; son Craig Fanos of Fort Bridger, WY; daughters Kathryn (Brent) Andersen of Green River, WY; Christine (Jim) Urbatchka of Sheridan, WY; Stephanie Fanos of Telluride, CO; beloved dog, Sonny; 10 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren and 2 faithful grand-dogs.  John was preceded in death by his dearly loved son Charlie, his parents, brother Nicholas Fanos and sister Katherine (Fanos) Pryich.

John owned and operated Ace Coin Music in Evanston for several years where he honed his gift of gab, flair for storytelling and skill of pranks. John and Barb went on to own The Outpost Restaurant and Woods Motel and received a national award for business beautification as a result of extensive renovations.  John was well known for his dedication to customer service and trained and mentored a generation of Evanston’s best cooks and waitresses. After selling The Outpost, John and family moved to Bridger Valley and took up ranching and real estate development.  John loved gardening and hosting legions of friends at BBQ’s in their backyard.

John dedicated many years to serving Uinta County and the State of Wyoming, serving three terms as Uinta County Commissioner during the years 1976 to 1984 and 1992 to 1996.  John also served two terms as Wyoming State Senator from 1984 to 1992.  During this time in the Senate John was the Senate Minority Whip and Democratic Caucus Chair and served on the Management Council; Revenue Committee; Minerals, Business, and Economic Development Committee; Agriculture Committee, as well as representing Wyoming on the Council of State Governments, Western Conference Committee for Land and Energy and the Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities.  He served for three years as President of the Wyoming County Commission Association and on the Wyoming Industrial Siting Council.  John served on and entertained the boards of the First National Bank, Glacier Bank, Pioneer Bank and Equality State Bank.  John was a member of the Mountain View Lions Club, Masonic Lodge, The Shriners and American Legion.

A viewing will be held on Friday, July 29, 2016 from 6 to 8 pm at Crandall Funeral Home in Evanston, WY.
Funeral Mass at St. Helen’s Catholic Church in Fort Bridger, WY will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2016 at 11 am with a viewing held one hour prior.  Interment will follow at the Fort Bridger Cemetery.  A Celebration of John’s Life will follow at 2 pm at the Mountain View High School Auditorium. All are invited to attend and share stories of John.

John’s family suggests memorial contributions be sent to the Huntsman Cancer Center, St. Helen’s Catholic Church or the Shriners Hospitals for Children.