Merle Lynn Duvall

Merle Lynn Duvall passed away peacefully on August 26, 2021, surrounded by family at his home in Laramie. Born November 1, 1949 to Merle M. and Pauline Duvall, Lynn was a beloved and loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, and uncle. He is survived by wife Linda; siblings Sheila and Kirby, and their spouses; sons Andy, Chris, Jake, Eric, and Alex, and their spouses; grandchildren Stella, Hazel, Rosa, Piper, Coy, and Natalyn; and eight nieces and nephews.

Lynn’s life and interests were deeply rooted in Campbell County, where he was born and raised. He was a country kid, the fourth generation of his family to live in the area east of Rozet. Lynn helped his parents and grandparents with cattle ranching, and ran his own ranch later in life. He accompanied his dad to work in the bentonite mines, where he learned to drive heavy machinery before he turned ten; tractors became a lifelong fascination. Lynn also first went into the oilfields with his father, and during his career he worked nearly every oilfield job from roustabout to petroleum engineer. Lynn learned to work on cars as a kid—especially from his uncle Carroll—and owned hundreds of cars during his life, starting with home-built hotrods and culminating with a stable of custom Mustangs. Lynn was a very social person whose friendships endured for decades and extended from classmates at Moorcroft High School, to John Deere enthusiasts across the country, and to Anna Espíndola, a Brazilian exchange student who lived with Lynn and Linda in 2018.

Lynn had an incredible mind for numbers and machines, and was a lifelong learner and entrepreneur. He earned a Master’s in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Wyoming, and was a masterful practical engineer in everyday life. He could fix anything—he salvaged antique tractors, rebuilt vintage Schwinn bicycles, restored classic cars, kept ranch equipment running, and improved the houses he owned. He remembered seemingly every number he encountered, from license plates and birthdates to engineering constants and equations. Lynn researched family history, including trips to Europe with Linda, Sheila, and Kirby, where they located his grandfather’s birthplace in the Czech Republic and followed his father’s wartime footsteps from Omaha Beach to Germany. He loved traveling closer to home, too, taking long road trips to visit family and see new sights, and to deliver tractors he sold across the U.S. He was always a keen and generous businessman, selling and trading bikes, cars, tractors, and parts into the last weeks of his life. Above everything, he loved his family and the moments spent with them.

Lynn was a thoughtful, caring, and practical person who will be missed by many. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

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Condolences (13)

  • Patricia David

    I am saddened to learn of this gentleman's passing. Linda, my most sincere condolences to you and your family. May God bless you all during this time of great sadness and loss. Pat David, Gillette.

  • Spring Wilkins

    I am so sorry for your loss Linda, my heart is with you.

  • Kay Cox

    Lynn was a few years older than me in school, but I always looked up to him. He was kind, easy going and always had a smile. Blessings to his family. I can't imagine the pain. Kay Cox

  • Elgin and Colleen Faber

    Lynn was such a wonderful man, great colleague and neighbor to us in the country. He was always helpful, told great stories about the history of our area, had amazing talent in many areas and just an overall great person! Our deepest sympathy to Linda and family. We will miss Lynn but have cherished memories forever ❤️

  • Judi Floyd

    Linda - my deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your beloved Lynn. Please know that he was truly a class act. I enjoyed working with him all the years at Tiorco. Judi Floyd

  • Anonymous

    Lynn was a great friend and a very special colleague for years. He was one of a kind in his knowledge and ability to apply science to the real world. One of the best compliments I can pass on is the comment I have receivsd from many of his friends and mutual colleagues - "Lynn was one of the good guys". What more can we say or aspire to in life? We will all miss him. Seeing his photo i think I forgot how good looking he was! My best wishes to Linda and the family.

  • Tom Doll

    My condolences to Linda and Lynn’s family. Lynn was a friend and mentor. We worked together in Gillette, and across Wyoming and Montana. Lynn’s engineering skill and work ethic set an example for me in my career.

  • John Berning

    I had the pleasure of working with Lynn for many years. He was a true gentleman. I will keep him and his family in my prayers.

  • Kathy Halvorsen

    I'm so sorry to hear of Lynn's passing. I worked with him for many years at Anadarko and he was always a wonderful person to be around. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

  • CHRISTINE MIGLIORINI

    My sincere condolences to Linda and all of the family.

  • Diane Paravisini

    To my special friend Linda, You are in my heart, thoughts and prayers - you and your family. Lynn will be greatly missed! He was such a kind, caring and giving person. Ferd and I wanted to come out to see yous this past year, but COVID......Anything you need, let me know. I am here for you. Love, Diane Paravisini

  • Anonymous

    OMG I can't get over how much this man is loved and going to be missed.....he was the greatest guy, wonderful husband to Linda, great friend to Bob and I. Love you Lynn. Debbie

  • Angie and Bob Magatagan

    Our condolences to the family and friends of this lovely gentleman. Our family is blessed by the marriage between son Alex and our daughter Tara. Lynn embraced Tara as his own and loved her immensely. We are so saddened by his early, earthly departure and thankful for the time we were blessed to be part of his life.

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