Gregory James Fender
(January 3, 1980 - July 23, 2007)

SARASOTA, Fla. -- A celebration of the life of Gregory James Fender, 27, was held July 29, 2007, on the beach in Sarasota, Fla.

He died suddenly at his home in Sarasota on July 23, 2007.

He was born on Jan. 3, 1980 to Sylvia (Van Diepen) Fender and Ernest E. Fender, Jr.

He was a member of the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps in 1996 and 1997, playing the trumpet.

His grandfather, the late Ernest E. Fender Sr., of Casper would take him to his practice every morning and pick him up for lunch, where he had a chicken sandwich every day.

He loved music and enjoyed his summers with the Troopers.

He had a lifelong love affair with the trumpet and was playing in a band with his younger brother, Michael, at the time of his death.

His band will have a concert on August 4th in Sarasota in his memory to benefit his partner and daughter.

He is survived by his life partner, Brooke Williams; 1-1/2-year-old daughter, Kaya Marie Fender, mother, Sylvie Van Diepen and brother, Michael Fender, all of Sarasota, Fla., father, Ernest E. Fender Jr., of Dubois; grandmother, Esther L. Fender and uncle, Edwin Fender of Casper; uncle, Norman Fender of Wright; aunt, Cheryl L. Ackerley of Cheyenne and numerous cousins and many friends.

He was preceded in death by a son, Jacob Fender;, grandfather, Ernest E. Fender Sr., of Casper; uncle and other relatives.

Memorial gifts may be sent in care of Ernest E. Fender Jr., to WESC Federal Credit Union in Casper.