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Marshall E. Bears

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Marshall Edward Bears, known to most as “Ark,” was born on December 10, 1939, in Walden, Colorado. He was one of eight children born to Samuel and Annie (Marsh) Bears.

The family moved multiple times during Ark’s younger years as Sam worked in the lumber industry. They spent time in various towns across Wyoming, Montana, and Washington before settling in Devil’s Tower, Wyoming. Ark completed eighth grade before leaving school to join his father in the logging business.

At the age of 19, Ark began working for Johnson’s Sawmill in Hulett, Wyoming, later taking a position with Neiman Sawmill. Eventually, he transitioned to the construction industry, working with Smith Construction. In 1978, Ark began what would become a long tenure with Decker Coal, where he remained until his retirement in 2003.

Ark married Phillis Storm in 1960, and together they welcomed four children: Clinton, Bonnie, Shirley, and Beckie. The family lived and worked in the Hulett area until relocating to Story in 1975. Ark and Phillis later divorced in 1983. In 1991, he married Nancy Johnson, gaining two stepdaughters, Angie and Jodi, through their union.

An avid hunter, Ark took great pride in spending time in the Big Horn Mountains, enjoying annual elk hunts for 62 consecutive years. Ever adventurous, he even took up archery hunting at the age of 72. When not in the mountains, Ark could be found tinkering with old vehicles and machinery or dreaming of panning for gold.

More than anything, Ark loved his family. He took immense pride in his children and found joy in spending time with them and their families. Even as memory faded in his later years, his deep affection for his loved ones remained, and he found comfort simply in their presence.

Ark is survived by his brother, Samson (Debbie) Bears of Hulett, WY; his children: Clinton (Stacy) Bears of Hawthorne, NV; Bonnie (Brad) Porch of Buffalo, WY; Shirley (Rob) Lueders of Buffalo, WY; and Beckie (Gary) Plessner of Story, WY; his stepdaughters: Angie (Ernie) Bunce of Eau Claire, WI, and Jodi Newman of Augusta, WI; 14 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Sammy, Alfred, Herberta, Virginia, Janet, and Lewis; his first wife, Phillis; his wife, Nancy; and numerous aunts and uncles.

Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com.
Champion Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

1 Comment

1 Comment

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    mark steingass

    June 4, 2025 at 5:34 pm

    Arkie was the best

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