William Steven "Steve" Yontz

William Steven “Steve” Yontz, 80, died on June 25, 2022, in Cheyenne. He was born on May 20, 1942, in San Diego, California. While attending middle school in San Diego, Steve became a first trombonist, mostly because of his height, in the Bonham Brothers' Boys Band and marched in the Tournament of Roses Parade for five years. Moving to Milford, Nebraska during his high school years, he joined a rock ‘n’ roll band, The Rhythm Rockers, graduating from Milford High School in 1960. After graduation, Steve worked for the contractor excavating the Atlas missile silos. When that contract ended, he moved back to San Diego to work for General Dynamics, which manufactured the Atlas missiles. While on a car trip, he found himself in Cheyenne and after returning to San Diego, he decided to move to Cheyenne, where he was employed as an automobile mechanic, among other jobs, until he retired as an independent life insurance salesman. Steve loved his music and playing his guitar. He was a lead singer and rhythm guitarist with the Fun Bunch Band, enjoying the company of devoted fans and friends. Steve was an eight-year member of the Wyoming Jaycees, traveling with them to other state conferences. He was beginning his 51st year with Cheyenne Frontier Days Contract Acts Committee, where he had been involved in the Chuck Wagon Races and recently in the Buckin’ A Saloon tent. In 1991 Steve was awarded his HEELS badge, one of the highest honors to be awarded by Cheyenne Frontier Days. He would be the first one to lend a hand, do a favor and help a friend in need, a kind, gentle, caring man and loved by many.
Steve was preceded in death by his daughter Ericka Lynn Zittel, his mother Gwendolyn Alberta Yontz (West), and his father William Owen Yontz. Steve is survived by a granddaughter, Kylie Anne Zittel of Battle Creek, MI.
A catered celebration of life will be held on August 14, 2022, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, at the Frontier Park Event Center. A cash bar will be available.