Richard W. Backman

Colonel Richard W. “Dick” Backman, 78, died Sept. 21 in Cheyenne.
He was born December 8, 1937 in Torrington, and graduated there in 1955.
He married Betty J. Swan on Oct. 28, 1994 in Cheyenne.
He served in the Wyoming Army National Guard from 1954 until his retirement in 1990. He was former Commanding Officer of the 960th Ordinance (DS) (SRF) Company in Torrington, WY and former Troop Commander of Troop Command, Laramie, WY and Post Commander, Camp Guernsey, WY.
He was also a full-time civil service employee with the USP&FO for Wyoming, WY Army National Guard during 1957-1990.
He was a member of ACACIA Lodge No. 11, Scottish Rite Consistory No. 1, Korein Shrine Temple, Cheyenne Shrine Club, where he served as president in 2001, Korein Legion of Honor, where he served as Commander in 1977, Royal Order of Jesters, Elks Lodge 661, American Legion Post 6, Moose Lodge 257 and Moose Legion #99.
Dick is survived by his wife, Betty of Cheyenne; children, Dainah McCrerry of Torrington, Craig of Spokane, WA, Nanette Thompson (Terry), Lori Harris, Rhonda VanKirk, Jody Malm (Julie), Michele Malm, Jennifer Miller (Lee), Todd Malm, and Amber Collier and a sister, Jeanette Clayborn of Cheyenne. He is further survived by other relative and many friends.
Dick was preceded in death by former wife, Judy J.; parents, William and Rachel and a brother, Samuel.
Cremation has taken place at Cheyenne Memorial Gardens.
In honoring his request, there will be no services. A private celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Friends may contribute to the Cheyenne Shrine Hospital Travel Fund, PO Box 20826, Cheyenne, WY 82003.