Graveside services for 81-year old Zane ‘Tarz’ Gray of Casper, WY, and formerly of Chadron, NE, will be held at a later date at the Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery in Casper. Details will be announced one month prior to the services for those who would like to attend.
Online condolences may be left at www.newcomercasper.com
Zane Doton ‘Tarz’ Gray was born Oct 3, 1942 in Mobridge, SD to Allan Doton and Margaret Ann (Phillips) Gray. He passed away peacefully on Jan 3, 2024 at Wyoming Medical Center.
In 1949, Zane’s parents relocated the family to Chadron and purchased a farm south of the city where they raised Zane and his 5 siblings while farming and raising cattle. Zane attended Chadron Preparatory School at Chadron State College.
While working on a construction project in Lander, WY, in 1965m he met and soon married his wife and lifelong partner, Cathy (Wallace) Gray.
They enjoyed living and working for many years on ranches in Nebraska, Wyoming, and Montana while maintaining the many friendships they made throughout those years.
Zane was a good storyteller and loved reminiscing with old friends about ‘the good ole days’ of ropin, ranchin, and rompin,’ all of which is part of the cowboy lifestyle. When retirement came, they moved to Casper where they could be close to their son and grandchildren.
Zane served in the US Army during the Vietnam conflict and was assigned to the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, better known as the Black Horse Regiment.
He seldom spoke about what the Blackhorse regiment did during the year he rode with them, but all the members wore the ‘rearing stallion’ patch and could say proudly that they had served and rode with the ‘best damn unit’ in the Calvary.
Zane was preceded in death by his parents, Allan and Margaret Gray, and his wife, Cathy Gray.
He is survived by his son Wade Gray of Casper, WY; 3 grandchildren: Gauge, Kayley and Brailyn Gray of Casper; and 5 siblings: Allan (Charlotte) Gray of Lander, WY, Glen (Carol) Gray of Pueblo, CO, Darlene (Joe) Bolen of Sierra Vista, AZ, and Diane (Steve) Lecher and Karen Broberg, all of of Chadron;
Newcomer Funeral Home of Casper is in charge of arrangements for Zane “Tarz” Gray.