Heber Merril Asay

Heber Merril Asay, 68, passed away on April 26, 2022, at his home in Lovell, Wyoming. He was born to Merril and Delsa Asay in Kabul, Afghanistan on April 22, 1954. The third of five children, his father's work with the U. S. State Department's Agency for International Development (USAID) led the family across the world. Among the many countries he lived in: Afghanistan, Taiwan, Thailand, and Cape Verde, Brazil was closest to his heart. He spent eight years of his childhood there and often spoke fondly of the people and the language, Portuguese, which he would speak for the rest of his life. He shared close relationships with his family, particularly his sister Garnet and his brother Tom.

After returning to the United States, Heber enlisted in the United States Army in 1974 and would serve until 1976. This service then transitioned to the National Guard, where he served until 1988. A patriot through and through, he was very proud of his service to his country, and grateful for the lasting friendships found during his military service. 

He completed several college courses throughout the years at the University of Wyoming and Northwest College. He worked for several companies around Lovell, including American Colloid and most notably for the Western Sugar Cooperative at the Lovell sugar factory for over twenty years. During these decades, he also raised cows, kept bees, and worked the family's land at Clearview Farm east of Lovell.

In March of 1997, he married Robyn Shoopman of Arapahoe, Wyoming at her parents' home and their daughter Emilie Clementine was born in October of the following year. He was a loving and devoted father and "Uncle Hebe" to his many nieces and nephews, whom he helped to raise and loved as his own. He encouraged all of them to gain an education, to develop their talents, and was always so proud of their accomplishments. His nieces, nephews, and stepchildren fondly remember his love of riding horses and his way of using the outdoors to teach them about life. He was proud of his Asay kids' musical abilities, especially those of his daughter Emilie. He loved the music of Merle Haggard, George Jones, and Charley Pride and loved to sing their hits with his Robyn. Heber also took great pride in his brick laying and masonry work. Many of his friends' and neighbors' homes around Lovell still show his handiwork. His friendly smile and hearty laugh will be missed by so many.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother Jerry, stepdaughter Anna, and great-niece Kristin Jolley.

He is survived by his wife Robyn, and daughter Emilie, both of Lovell, sister Loreen Asay of Idaho, Sister-in-law Hope Asay of Colorado, sister Garnet (Dave) Jolley of Lovell, brother Tom (Evie) Asay of Powell, and numerous stepchildren, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.  

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 7th at the Lovell Stake Center at 10 a.m. with visitation at 9 a.m.  Interment will be at the Lovell Cemetery.  

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