Danny Lee Cribbs

Danny Lee Cribbs

Dec. 13, 1955-Oct. 26, 2018

GREYBULL, Wyo. — Danny Lee Cribbs, 62, formerly of McCook, Neb., died peacefully the evening of Friday, Oct. 26, 2018, at his home in Greybull.

Born Dec. 13, 1955, to Archie A. and Winifred (Stocking) Cribbs, in Denver, Colo., Danny traveled through much of the Continental United States with his father, Archie, who drove for Bekin Van Lines, before preceding Danny in death on Aug. 10, 1968.

He continued to enjoy traveling, as long as he didn’t stray too far from home. Those early days on the road gave him a unique appreciation for being home with his family, home being defined by the gathering of family anywhere. Returning to Wyoming in 2013 was a dream come true for Danny and he made the most of the time left to him, crawling through the Bureau of Land Management public lands, or inching his way up a new high mountain road, gathering photos, rocks and memories. Having recovered his sight just months before returning to Wyoming, he would be transfixed by whatever splendor waited around the corner, including a stand-off with an antelope as Danny ate his brown-bag lunch.

On Dec. 8, 1973, he married Dawn Elizabeth Cribbs, who survives him. They have three children and six grandchildren: Ben Cribbs and his daughters, Haili Elizabeth and Madisen Diane of Northglenn, Colo.; Lisa Cribbs Vrbas-Hart, husband Ryan, and her children, Alycia Dawn and Lucas James of Kimball, Neb.; and Patrick Cribbs, his wife Nicole, and their children, Brayden Lane and Harley Nicole of McCook, Neb.

Danny worked hard to provide for his family in the highway/heavy equipment field, and was a proud member of the Operating Engineers Local 9, in Denver, Colo. He loved his work as a field mechanic/welder/fabricator, expanding his skills and according to his team, “was the best man on anyone’s crew.”

He joined the U.S. Navy the day after his 17th birthday just months before the end of the Vietnam War and was proud to join a family tradition of service. His service was short, but honorable.

Danny’s life was not without personal struggle. He overcame alcoholism on Dec. 4, 2004, enjoying almost 14 years of sobriety before his passing. He applauds the work of Alcoholics Anonymous and their camaraderie and support in those early days of sobriety.

Others left to celebrate his life include sisters-in-law, Debi and husband, Barry Nelson of Denver and Danett and husband, David Fraembs of Alpine, Texas; brothers-in-law, David and wife Joyce Carlson of Clarinda, Iowa and Dean and wife, Lisa Carlson of Broomfield, Colo.; nieces and nephews Dano and Crystal Goforth; Ian, Jeremy and Traci (Carlson) Smith; Christopher Carlson, Steve, Matthew and Brittany Fiedler, Shane and Tanner Walls; Shannon and husband, Jason Scutt of Holly Springs, North Carolina; and a great-nephew, Andrew Ibbotson of Denver, Colo.

Danny was preceded in death by his parents.

The memorial service to celebrate the life and indelible legacy left by this courageous and tenacious man is Wednesday, 10 a.m., at the Wyoming Retirement Center Chapel in Basin, Wyo. Cards of condolences may be sent to 624 S. Fifth Street, Greybull, WY 82426. Flowers for the service may be sent to The Wyoming Retirement Center, 890 Highway 20, in Basin, Wyo.