Bernard G. Ekis, 86, of Sheridan, Wyoming, died Monday, August 23, 2010 in Sheridan Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Ekis was born January 29, 1924 in Sheridan, Wyoming to Charles and Anna (Hoffman) Ekis. He grew up and attended schools in Sheridan, graduating from Sheridan High School in 1943. He then enlisted in the United States Navy and served during World War II.

Upon his discharge from the Navy, Bernard returned to Sheridan and married Lorna Jean Cook in Sheridan on November 7, 1948.

Bernard joined the Sheridan Fire Department in 1949, retiring as Fire Chief in 1971. He then went to work for Pinkerton?s at Spring Creek Coal where he worked for 20 years, retiring from there in 1991.

Mr. Ekis was a member of the Episcopal Church, Masonic Lodge #43, the Kalif Shrine, and the Kalif Brass Band. He also played in various dance bands in the Sheridan area, and enjoyed skiing, fishing, antique collecting, working in his yard, and traveling as a member of the Good Sam?s Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lorna; two brothers; and 1 sister.

Bernard is survived by one son, Larry Ekis, of Sheridan, Wyoming; one sister, Nancy Favero, of Sheridan, Wyoming; one grandson; two great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial service for Mr. Ekis will be 10:00 A. M. Saturday, August 28, 2010 at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with the Rev. Kevin Jones officiating. Interment will be in the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. A reception immediately following the committal service will be held at Bernard Ekis?s residence at 633 Delphi. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials in memory of Bernard may be made to the Shrine Children?s Hospital, P. O. Box K, Sheridan, WY; the Sheridan Senior Citizen?s Center, 211 Smith St., Sheridan; or the Sheridan Animal Shelter, 84 East Ridge Road, Sheridan.

SheridanMedia.com - August 25, 2010.