Robert L “Bob” Daniels
Jan 11, 1940 – Jan 27, 2025
Bob Daniels was born Jan 11, 1940 in Mullen, Nebraska to R. Forrest and Marie Troyer Daniels. They moved to Owl Creek, 27 miles west of Thermopolis, Wyoming in March 1946. He attended grade school in one room, Embar School, and high school at Hot Springs High School in Thermopolis, graduating in 1957. He went one year to Casper College. He worked for neighboring ranches as well as construction work on Anchor Dam.
In 1962 he married Kathy Hedges and worked for a ranch on Twin Creek near Lander, they later divorced. In 1964 son Clarke was born. Bob went to horseshoing school in Porterville, California. He shod horses in Petaluma, Calif for 3 years then they came back to Wyoming in 1967 shoeing and working on ranches in the area. In 1970 they bought a place on the Wind River Reservation near Ft Washakie where he leased land, put up hay and started his cow herd. He also starting teaching farrier classes in Riverton for CWC where he taught for 7 years.
In 1978 he married Barbara Schoenthaler, sold the Ft Washakie place and bought a small ranch east of Douglas, Wyoming. Barb worked as an Extension Home Economist in Converse County. He shod horses and took care of the ranch. Most of his life was involved with horses – shoeing, breaking, training, and breeding with lots of good help from his good wife. The horse business grew, he built a breeding barn and other barns and facilities and started an AI program, standing AQHA and APHA studs to the public. He became a leading breeder of both breeds in the state as well as producing a national champion. Bob and Barb both were very involved in state and national APHA leadership, being national directors and leaders in the state association. Many times he would put together judging classes for youth groups. He was appointed by the Wyoming Governor to the Pari-Mutuel Commission where he served for 8 years, 2 of those as Chairman of the Board.
He and Barb enjoyed traveling to Australia, Kentucky Derby, many cruises including Alaska, Hawaii, Carribean, and Panama Canal.
In 2010 they bought a winter home in Beaver Dam, Arizona, spending winters in Arizona and summers in Wyoming. In 2014 they sold the ranch in Douglas and bought a home in Lander, Wyoming.
Bob is survived by his wife, Barb of Lander, son Clarke (Laura) of Meeteetse, grandson Jarred (Jada) of Cody and great grandchildren Addison and Brantley. Brother Jim Daniels (Dolly) of Thermopolis, sisters Veva King (Doug) of King City, Calif and Vikki Cook(Kent) of Riverton and sister-in-law Patsy of Thermopolis.
He was preceded in death by his brother Joe in 2021, father Forrest Daniels in 1997, mother Marie Troyer Daniels in 1992 and grandson Justin Daniels in 2015.
A memorial will be held at a later date in Thermopolis. Bob will be missed by many.