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Denny Hall passed away recently after a two-year battle with cancer. He was at his home in Powell, Wyoming, with his wife Jackie and sister Patty Mayfield by his side.
He was born on Dec. 1, 1953, to Donna and Denny Hall in Morgantown, West Virginia. He graduated from Morgantown high school in 1971 where he was active in FFA and attended the National Convention in Kansas City as part of a dairy judging team. He attended Glenville College in West Virginia, receiving an associate degree. After working as an extension agent Denny returned to the University of West Virginia. He received a degree in animal science. He worked two years as a conservation officer before attending Montana State University where he received a masters in agronomy in 1988.
After graduation Denny worked at the Plant Material Center in Bridger, Montana. He then was employed by the University of Wyoming as the Seed Certification Director. He encouraged the university to move the service from Sheridan to Powell where the majority of the seed crops were grown. In 2000 he returned to Bozeman, Montana, to train as a seed analyst. He returned to the new seed lab in Powell as assistant analyst, eventually becoming the director.
Denny worked hard to develop good working relations with legislators, growers and the Department of Agriculture, all of whom were instrumental in bringing the State Seed Lab to Powell. During his years at the lab, he served on the AOSA RST Exam Committee Review Board and the Native Seed Committee. He was especially proud of this group as they developed testing standards for native species that ensured uniform procedures nationwide. During his tenure he developed a reputation as the “go to lab” when testing native species for the BLM and reclamation companies.
Denny was an avid fisherman and gardener. He loved to observe wildlife with his spotting scope. At one point in his life he took up photography and briefly played electric bass in a band. He continued to love music especially bluegrass and traditional western performers. He grew up in the Goshen Baptist Church in Morgantown and attended the First United Methodist Church in Powell. He served as an usher for services and funerals as well serving as a trustee and head of the council.
Denny is survived by his wife Jackie of 35 years, as well as his sister Patty Mayfield (Gary), nieces Crystal Frankenberry (Bryan), Wendy Barker, Stacy Logan, Heather Faxon (Paul), great-nephews including Jake and Zeke Frankenberry, Noah Faxon, Mitch Mayfield, Greg and Trey Randolph and great-niece Raven Moore (Clayton).
Denny was preceded in death by his parents, Donna and Denny Hall, his brother Butch, nephew Jeff Mayfield and nephew-in-law Vince Barker.
A service is planned for 10 a.m. on July 19, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church in Powell.
Memorials may be sent to the church at P.O. Box 778, Powell, Wyoming 82435.
