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On Jan. 19, 2026, Merle (Bud) Mooren passed away at Cody Regional Health. Bud was born in Morrowville, Kansas, on Feb. 16, 1938. The family and Bud moved to Wyoming in 1949 where he attended school and graduated from Powell High School. Bud joined the Marine Corps after graduation and proudly served for four years before returning to Powell. He worked for Ellis Construction on projects like the Cody swimming pool, Buffalo Bill Museum, Cody High School and Sheridan High School. He later learned cement finishing and decorative rock work from Willard Heimer. Bud lived in Arizona and Nevada where he worked on many cement projects including construction of several casinos.
For the past 20 years, Bud has been the caretaker of the horses on the Elk Creek Ranch in Sunlight. He loved living in the mountains, hunting, exploring the many trails and spending time with friends in that area.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Merle and Pearl Mooren, brothers Larry and Hubert, sisters Vivian, Connie, Judy and brother-in-law Don Eden.
Bud is survived by his sons Billy and Jerry (Caroline) and five granddaughters: Juli (Colby Fowles), Leland (Colton Smithy), Parker (Kade Hillabush), Quincy Mooren, Drew Mooren and five great-grandchildren. Bud is also survived by his sister, Jeannie, brother, Bill (Lisa) and Kay (Herv), along with many nieces, nephews and friends he enjoyed so much.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date (announcement to follow).
