William "Bill" Boulden

Newcastle native, William Davis “Bill” Boulden, former “soda jerk”, pharmacist and owner at Weston County Drug, passed away June 14, 2019 at Weston County Health Services at the age of 86. Bill was born on a ranch near Newcastle on August 1, 1932 to Walter and Nellie (Amburgey) Boulden. Bill attended Newcastle schools and was named salutatorian of the graduating Class of 1950. He graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in Pharmacy. After numerous years at Weston County Drug, he sold his business and worked in Gillette for two years at Murphy Drug. Bill was employed as the dispensing pharmacist at the Weston County Memorial Hospital and Manor and was responsible for the Drug Utilization Review (DUR). He was called the “phantom pharmacist” because he did most of the DUR work after hours. He also worked at Pamida, Shopko, and as a substitute pharmacist in various Wyoming communities, retiring at the age of 75. Bill was awarded the Dr. Virgil L. Thorpe Caring for Mankind Award in 2000. In 2009, he was recognized as the Pharmacist of the Year from Wyoming Society of Health-Systems Pharmacy. The Newcastle Hall of Fame inducted Bill in 2016. Being civic minded, Bill was active in the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, Salvation Army, United Fund, Senior Center volunteer, Home Loving Care and as precinct committeeman for the Republican Party. As a Jaycee, Bill received the Distinguished Service Award and was recognized as Boss of the Year. He was a member of the Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Education was a priority to Bill. He served on the Weston County School District #1 School Board, was a member of the University of Wyoming Alumni Association Board of Directors and was involved in the Newcastle All School Reunion Committee since its inception. He served as chairman in 1995 and remained involved throughout his life. Bill was instrumental in starting the first public daycare in Newcastle in the early '60s. Bill married his high school sweetheart, Lois Ann Joslyn, in 1954. Born to this union were Billie Ann (Larry) Reed of Douglas, WY; Jeri Cay (Owen) Lampert of Riverton, WY; and Kelli Jo (Deo) Carmichael of Casper, WY. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, three daughters and sons-in-law, and sister, Frances VanBuren. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Kristen Reed Morrow, Brendon Reed, Autumn Reed Ostlund, Tyler Lampert, Trevor Lampert, Jared Carmichael, and Danielle Carmichael Heaton, nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, James Boulden; sister, JoAnna Bruce; and nephews, Barry Boulden and Jeff VanBuren. Once described as a man with a quiet personality and exuberant humor, Bill will be remembered fondly and missed by many throughout the community. Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, June 20, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Newcastle, WY. Viewing will be held at 6:00 p.m., prior to Rosary at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at the church. A scholarship for a pharmacy student has been established through Weston County Health Services Foundation (WCHS). If desired donations may be sent to PO Box 821, Newcastle, WY 82701. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Meridian Mortuary 111 South Railroad Ave, Newcastle, WY 82701. Condolences may also be expressed at www.meridianmortuary.com