Obituaries
Edward Barbula
Edward James Barbula entered eternal rest on October 3, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Ed was born to William and Rose Barbula on July 10, 1931, in Monarch, WY, at his Aunt Mary Mentock’s house. He joined his siblings, Betty and Bill, at home on the dry fork of Beatty Gulch north of Sheridan. His brother, Gerry, was born two years later. The family moved to the Wrench Ranch in 1933 and later moved closer to the Montana border on the Tongue River.
Ed attended grade school in Acme and high school at Hill School. While in high school, he drove a 1947 Chevy Suburban “school bus” from north of town and picked up kids to drive them to school. Not being a big fan of school, Ed would cruise off to Crystal Cave (Tongue River Cave) for a day of adventure before returning to school to pick up the other kids. Ed was willing to join the military but was needed on the ranch while his brothers served.
Ed and Darlene Schreibeis married in 1952 and delighted in the birth of five children. The family lived and worked on a dairy farm south of Sheridan on Meade Creek for many years. Ed was a great elk hunter and loved the Big Horn Mountains. His hunting skills provided sufficient wild meat to get the family through the winter.
His favorite activity was racing cars. He raced stock cars in the 70s and 80s and always hoped to race on the Salt Flats in Utah. His lifelong love of cars began with a 1930 LaSalle with a rumble seat and later a 1947 Buick Roadmaster. His off-road bravery included driving down the steep mountain slopes to his favorite fishing hole while others walked down.
Ed worked at Decker Coal and married Misty Plott in 1991. They danced with abundant joy at the Elks for many years. He embarked on a jewelry-making adventure and opened the Medicine Wheel Antiques and Gifts on Main Street in Sheridan specializing in silversmithing with elk ivory.
Ed loved to compete in many activities. In high school, he lettered in track and set state records in the 220-yard dash (22 seconds) and the 440-yard dash (52.5 seconds). This started his lifelong love of running and sports. Ed was well known as the floor manager of the roller rink in Sheridan. He participated in the Senior Olympics for over thirty years and earned many medals. His most recent games netted gold and silver medals in the 50-yard dash and canoeing in the 85-89 age group.
Ed was a member of many local organizations including the Elks and the Holy Name Catholic Church.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Billy and Gerry, and grandsons Jake Black and David Barbula.
He is survived by his wife Misty Plott-Barbula, sister Betty Turley-Jacobson, his children Larry (Mary), Nancy, Don (Cheryl), Chuck (Becky), Jamie (Maria), grandchildren Griffin (Audrey), Leah (Brad), Ryan, Lucas (Leslie), Patrick (Jenna), Sean (Becca), Keaten, great-grandchildren Reagan, Oliver, Cache and Eleanor.
A Celebration of Life is at 4:00 P.M., Thursday, October 6, 2022, at the Elks Lodge, 45 W. Brundage, Sheridan, Wyoming.
Memorials may be made to the Elks Lodge Building Fund, PO Box 624, Sheridan, WY, 82801, or to Hospice of the Big Horns, PO Box 391, Sheridan, WY, 82801. Online condolences may be made to www.sheridanfuneral.com. Arrangements are under the care of Sheridan Funeral Home.
tammi brunson
October 4, 2022 at 2:11 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. Love and prayers to you and your families.
Shannon Marshall
October 5, 2022 at 12:00 am
My prayers are with you all. I have many memories of Ed as a kid growing up at the skating rink. Him and my aunt danced so beautiful on skates. God Bless you all with love and joyful memories.
Julie Gerlach
October 5, 2022 at 6:52 am
So very sorry to all of the Barbula Family for the loss of your wonderful father. So many of my early and fond memories involve all of the Barbula and Turley families. Ed was a superb athlete and one of the funnest fathers I cam remember. Whether dancing, ice and roller skating, or leading us all on a race down the utility line corridor off Dayton-Kane, he was always leading the pack with a smile on his face. Deepest Sympath to you all.
Ray Walters
October 5, 2022 at 9:59 am
I remember meeting him through my folks
Very nice man
My condolences to his family
Jill Flack
October 5, 2022 at 5:30 pm
My deepest condolences to the Barbula family. I will always remember Ed’s smile & twinkling eyes. Peace to you all.
Suzanne Mark
October 6, 2022 at 2:52 pm
Hi Chuck, Becky and family. May God comfort you and inspire you as you reflect on Ed’s beautiful and remarkable life. Thinking of you all.
Nancy Worsley
October 6, 2022 at 3:03 pm
So sorry to hear of this loss. My prayers are with Misty and the family. I have photographs of Ed and he’s always dancing. In one he’s dancing with my mother, Cathy Worsley. Fine man! He will be so very missed!
Lee & Cindy Butler
October 6, 2022 at 6:27 pm
Deepest sympathies Misty and all the family. Ed was a good man and will be greatly missed.
Sue Dixon
October 7, 2022 at 3:15 pm
I am so, so sorry for your loss. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol Troutt
October 7, 2022 at 8:08 pm
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss of Ed. He was a special man and I always felt it was a privilege to have him and Misti in my life.
Jack Liviingston
October 9, 2022 at 8:43 pm
Misty and the Barbula family, Karen and I are sorry for your loss. As a boy, I remember Ed on roller skates, and how fast and nimble he was. And we are every so thankful for the two silver pieces he worked up for us.
Debbie Davis
October 13, 2022 at 11:00 am
Prayers for peace for Ed’s family. I am privileged to have several jewelry pieces he made, most from our ivories. He was a very nice man, a good pool player also. He will be missed.
Sue Traher
October 19, 2022 at 6:27 pm
I am so sorry to hear Ed has passed on. I have fond memories of his smiling face, calm demeanor and kindness. I treasure my elk tooth necklace with turquoise I had him special make for me many years ago. Sending you all a hug.