News
William Kimbrough “Kim” Love
William Kimbrough “Kim” Love of Sheridan, Wyoming passed away Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Sheridan Memorial Hospital, leaving behind a legacy as big as the Wyoming sky and a heart even bigger.
Born in St. Louis, MO August 3, 1945, to Christine Gempp Love and Edward Kimbrough “Bud” Love, he was raised in St. Louis and found success at Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, NH where he graduated from high school.
From an early age, Kim’s intellect, humor and sharp wit stood out. These qualities would shape the incredible man he became, a loving husband, devoted father, loyal friend, visionary businessman, and tireless humanitarian. He had the charm that could convince you to donate to a fundraiser you didn’t even know you were part of—and then he would match your donation.
The Love family spent their summers in the cool serenity of Paradise Ranch near Buffalo, WY, where the seeds of their Wyoming roots were planted. It was Kim’s father, Bud, who purchased the UM ranch, creating a bridge between the family’s bustling St. Louis life and the wide-open spaces of the west. Those summers forged in Kim a love for Wyoming’s people and land that would stay with him forever.
Kim earned a B.S. in economics from the University of Virginia, interrupting his studies to serve in the U.S. Army, an experience he credited with teaching him the skills needed to manage his life-long struggle with ADD.
In 1974, Kim co-purchased KROE radio in Sheridan and over a 40+ year broadcasting career transformed it into Sheridan Media, a multi-platform network known for strong journalism and deep community involvement. Upon retiring on his 72nd birthday, he transferred ownership to the people that helped him build Sheridan Media, the employees.
Kim’s civic contributions were vast. He committed his time, talent, and treasure to serve on many local boards and committees, believing that philanthropy is a verb, requiring action. He was never shy about expressing his opinion and sharing his knowledge with the many local institutions to which he contributed.
In 2010, in an effort to help revitalize downtown Sheridan, he opened Frackleton’s restaurant and relished founding and participating in Dining for a Cause.
Kim lived with enthusiasm and a deep sense of responsibility for his community. He scuba-dived, climbed Kilimanjaro, bungy-jumped in NZ, traveled the world, always returning to Wyoming where he found great joy in riding his horse in the Big Horn Mountains, walking his dog on the streets of Sheridan, or his pet camel in the rodeo parade, and especially spending time with family and friends.
Kim Love’s legacy will remain in Sheridan in the many lives and institutions he touched.
Kim was preceded in death by his son Alex and sister Christy. He is survived by his wife, Mary Kay, daughter Betsy of Austin, TX, and brother Dr. Charles Love (Linda) of College Station, TX.
Kim’s Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, May 30, 2025, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. The service will be live-streamed at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church – YouTube. A reception will follow at Frackleton’s Restaurant from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Kim’s final resting place is in the family plot in Willow Grove Cemetery in Buffalo, WY.
Memorials to honor Kim are suggested to the SMH Foundation, P.O. Box 391, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Online condolences may be posted on sheridanmedia.com or to www.sheridanfuneral.com
The service will be live streamed at: St. Peter’s Episcopal Church – YouTube
Arrangements are under the care of Sheridan Funeral Home.
Robby Smith
May 28, 2025 at 6:29 am
Kim was a true champion and supporter of Sheridan. He leaves a lasting legacy in our community that can be seen downtown everyday. He will truly be missed.
Sue Suddith
May 28, 2025 at 8:51 am
So sad to hear of Kim’s passing. He was a generous supporter of CHAPS and so many programs in Sheridan. What a giant of a man. May his legacy of philanthropy ease this loss to the community.
Art McCulloch
May 29, 2025 at 7:32 am
We at Compass Center for Families owe so very much to Kim for making possible our facility in Sheridan. In 2018 when he became aware of our need for expanded capacity for our community programs, Kim began the process of donating a 7100 square foot building to Compass and helping in the remodeling process. He always found time to share his ideas to improve the work we do for Sheridan and Johnson Counties. Thanks to his foresight and generosity, Compass now has a state-of-the-art facility that has helped hundreds of struggling families and mistreated children in our community. We refer to our facility as the “House that Love Built” and we will be forever grateful to Kim and Mary Kay for their gift of hope for the families and children that need it most.