Kenneth Junior Hewitt
August 29, 1945 – October 18, 2024
Lander, Wyoming
Kenneth Junior Hewitt (Kenny) 79, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2024, in Lander, Wyoming. Born on August 29, 1945, in Hartley, Iowa, Kenny led a life filled with love for family, dedication to his work, and a passion for the great outdoors.
Preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Elsie Hewitt; his wife, Linda Hewitt; and his siblings, Keith Hewitt, Kurt Hewitt, Korwin Hewitt, and Leonna Svoboda. Kenny is survived by his children Wendy Leatherow, Scott Hewitt, Todd Hewitt, and Todd Van Fleet; his grandchildren Carson Connolly, Madison Uptain, and Bowden White; and his devoted partner, Susan Robirds.
Early Life and Career
Kenny was born and raised in Hartley, Iowa, where his sense of responsibility and strong work ethic were cultivated at a young age. After graduating high school, Kenny went to work for the Mid-America Pipeline Company. His career with MAPCO spanned nearly 20 years throughout the midwest of Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas.
In 1983, Kenny and the family moved to Lander, Wyoming where they would embrace the beauty of the Wind River Mountains as home. There he helped establish and successfully operated Lander Tire & Brake until his retirement in 2003.
After retirement, Kenny went back to work at Fremont County Weed and Pest as their Warehouse Manager until his final retirement in 2014.
Business and Community Leadership
Kenny’s dedication to his community went far beyond his business. He was actively involved in the Lander Chamber of Commerce as an Ambassador and found an overwhelming sense of joy and pride in his contributions to all the organizations he participated in.
His involvement also extended to local civic projects, notably his engagement in the Lander Main Street Reconstruction project, helping to revitalize the heart of the town he loved. His passion for conservation was further evident through his long-time membership with Ducks Unlimited, where he contributed to the protection of wildlife habitats.
Passions and Community Engagement
Kenny’s adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors led to his becoming a founding member for the establishment of the Continental Divide snowmobile trail. This love for the outdoors and his community also contributed to his involvement in the introduction of the Wyoming “Pedigree” Stage Stop Sled Race in Lander.
As an avid bird hunter, Ken enjoyed hunting waterfowl with friends and family throughout Wyoming, Iowa and Nebraska. When he wasn’t hunting he could be found camping all throughout the areas of the Red Desert and Sweetwater River.
Legacy of Service
Kenny will be remembered for his generosity and love for his family, friends and the outdoors. His legacy of kindness, perseverance, and service lives on through his family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched in Lander and beyond. Whether in his business, his community involvement, or his outdoor pursuits, Kenny’s presence was felt by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
A memorial service to celebrate Kenny’s life will be held on July 5, 2025 in Lander. Friends and family will be invited to join in sharing memories and honoring a life well-lived.