Eldon L. Mikesell

Eldon LaMar Mikesell was born January 29, 1937, in Robertson WY, to Willard and Veda Mikesell and had two sisters, Lois and Audra. The family moved to Rawlins WY in 1942, as his father worked for the Union Pacific Railroad.

Eldon loved to play sports and played basketball for Rawlins High, where he graduated in 1955. He attended BYU in Provo, Utah for several semesters.

He was called in 1959 to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints to the central states mission. After his mission he joined the National Guard, where he was a Staff Sargent and qualified Expert on the M1 Rifle.

In September 1962 he met the love of his life, Moana McBride, who had just moved to Rawlins to be a Registered Nurse at the Carbon County Memorial Hospital. They were married Nov. 21, 1962, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, Idaho Falls Temple.

He worked for the Sinclair Refinery for 7 years and then joined the Union Pacific Railroad as a Conductor for 46 years. This is where he made many lifetime friends.

Eldon and Moana made Rawlins their home where they raised 1 daughter and 5 sons.

He was an avid sportsman who loved to hunt, fish, and camp with his family. He loved to play cards and was an expert at Pinochle. He was always ready to play a game.

He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints where he served diligently in many callings and made many more friends. He was very generous, if anyone needed help, he would be there to relieve their burdens.

He had a sharp wit and a great sense of humor, but sometimes it got him in trouble. He had the ability to always make people laugh.

He loved to watch every sport and supported all his children and grandchildren in their activities.

All the friends that came through the door knew “IT WAS ALWAYS A PARTY AT THE MIKESELLS” and great food! He is famously known for his chocolate chip cookies, meatloaf, popcorn balls and fudge.

His family had the opportunity to express his farewells and affection before passing away peacefully.

He is survived by all those who deeply loved him; his devoted wife, Moana, of 64 years, daughter Michelle (Brian), sons Gary (Leticia), Rodney (Tawnya), Jeffrey (Kellee), Darren (Mary), and Andy (Cecelia), 33 grandchildren with their spouses, and 11 great grandchildren (Soon to be 13). He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters, and his beloved grandson Trevor Jacob Mikesell.

The service will be live-streamed. Please use the following link. It will be active for 90 days following the service. https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/a25095411457382