Loren "Dean" Laybourn

Loren “Dean” Laybourn was born on June 18, 1934 to Fred Loren and Alice Loverna (Moerer) Laybourn  in Yuma, Colorado.  He passed away on August 15, 2021 at the Hillcrest Care Center in Wray, Colorado after a long struggle with COPD. Dean was 87 years of age. 

Dean attended the Cope School for his formal education. Then he attended the “School of Hard Knocks Life”. Dean volunteered to serve his country in the military but did not pass the physical due to a previous accident when a Ford Tractor ran up the back of his leg and crushed his foot.

Dean met Virginia Christeen Brooks at a 4-H Square Dance that was held at the Cope Gym.  They were married on July 19, 1953 at his home in Cope, Colorado. This union was blessed with four children, Alan, Bradley, Douglas and Christal.

Dean was employed with Beckton Stock Farm of Sheridan, Wyoming in 1953; farmed and ranched with his father until 1958.  They rented ground between Cope and Joes where they farmed and ranched.  He worked on Fox Ranch (Now Nature Concervancy) on the Eckley Road. Dean worked along with Cliff and Diane Wilson with calving and branding. 

Dean loved horses and always had some.  He always volunteered and participated in the Abarr Rodeo.  Dean along with Dale Lasater and Don Christianason helped with the Stock Car Races on Sunday afternoons. In the early 60’s he was a member of the Cope Saddle Club until it was disbanded when the secretary took off with the funds.

Dean was always willing to help anyone.  He agreed with the slogan “Always Leave the Light On” so they knew they were welcome and could go for help at any time.    The porch and yard light was always on for anyone that was travelling, they assisted people that were out of gas or needed a tire change whenever, at any time even at 2:00 to 3:00 in the morning. 

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Alice Laybourn; his in-laws, Earvil and Lois Brooks and grandson, Diamond Laybourn.

Dean will be greatly missed by his wife of 68 years, Virginia; sons, Alan Laybourn of Cope, Colorado; Bradley Laybourn of Wasilla, Alaska; Douglas Laybourn of Cope, Colorado; daughter, Christal and husband, Steve Sears of Joes, Colorado; sisters, Barbara and husband, Roland Terrell of Oregon and Jeannie and husband, Richard of California; Judy Woodward of Yuma, Colorado; brother, Stanley and wife LeaAnn Laybourn of Cope, Colorado along with many grandchildren, other relatives and friends.  And last but not least, sister-in-law, LaVeena Shannep of Florida, he may not know your name but he would remember you. 

The graveside service will be held on Saturday August 21, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at the Cope Cemetery in Cope, Colorado.  Terry Covert officiated the service. .Baucke Funeral Home directed the service.

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