Kent Alan Shroyer, affectionately and forever known as “Pa”, passed away unexpectedly on the morning of July 23, 2026, at the young age of 68. He left this life just as he lived it, with his saddled horse beside him, the wide blue sky above and his favorite Wyoming range surrounding him. Pa always said it was the only way a cowboy should have to go out.

Kent was born Oct. 16, 1957, in Casper, Wyo., to Willis “Worthy” and Opal Shroyer. He grew up in Midwest, Wyoming and Lignite, N. D., with his dad working the oil fields. From early on, he enjoyed being mischievous and running wild, torturing his siblings, loving them fiercely, playing Cowboys and Indians, and catching and riding any horse possible whether or not he was given permission. He told wonderful stories of spending time with his Grandpa Jeff Vots, and his summers and vacations at the family Red Fork Ranch in Kaycee, Wyo.

Worthy and Opal settled in Powell, Wyo., in 1973 and Kent attended Powell High School where he enjoyed competing and excelling in football, wrestling, and rodeo. He graduated PHS class of 1976 and had recently attended their 50th class reunion. While there, he reconnected with old friends while settling back home in the community.

Kent met his high school sweetheart, Holly Anne Shultz, when he was assigned a locker next to hers, even though they were in different classes.  He always stated, “It was meant to be”. They soon married on March 17, 1978, spending 48 years together side by side. Through the years, there were many moves and several ranches as Kent went on to live his dream as a working cowboy and ranch manager all over Wyoming and Oregon, with his faithful “wolf pack” of loyal canine coworkers at his heels. Pa started out cowboying on the Two Dot Ranch near Cody, Wyo., and went on to hit many other big outfits, as most wanderlust adventure seeking cowboys do. For the Padlock, the Arapahoe, the ZX, and 7 Diamond ranches, he covered the broncs, roped anything that moved, and rode for miles, all while raising his kids in his footsteps. In 2003, Kent and Holly fulfilled their dream of buying a ranch of their own in North Powder, Ore.  

Pa forged lifelong friendships and made memories at every turn of the trail.

Kent was all cowboy, yet more than just a simple cowboy. He was a cowman, a horseman, a steward of the land he loved, a God-fearing Christian, a true family man, as well as mentor to countless individuals. He was a significant and memorable figure whether on horseback leading a gather, at the local gas station grabbing coffee, or at church on Sunday. He always had an impact on those around him and loved supporting his kids and grandkids in all things. Pa always had time to encourage and mentor young cowboys and cowgirls. His heart and his temper were both legendary! That is what made him a man of steel and determination that worked 365 days a year, in any type of weather. Pa truly lived and loved the ranch and cowboy life with a passion. He would never quit. That was who he was. As he always reminded his kids, “Get tough, or die.”

Second to God and family, Kent’s passion was always great horses. Only using them for his job was not fulfilling enough, so he and Holly purchased their own AQHA stallion in 1985, Wyoming Drifter. Crossed on well-bred mares, this produced the versatile Flying Diamond Quarter Horse. Their AQHA breeding program was a point of pride for Kent. He raised and trained their own ranch and rope horses for over 40 years, building on the foundation of a line Kent believed in. Kent and Holly raised horses for work-and-play for many generations. Those horses went on to excel in 4-H, high school & college rodeo, team roping and ranch rodeo. Kent delighted in cowboying on his own Flying Diamond mounts up until his last ride.

Kent and Holly recently came full circle back to the Two Dot Ranch to live, work and be closer to more of their grandkids. Kent was busy living his best life cowboying in the country he loved and spending all his free time with his family. Pa never missed a chance to praise God for his blessings. He was tickled to be helping his grandsons get into rodeo events this summer, spending lots of time at the Cody Nite Rodeo. While there, Pa encouraged their dreams and enjoyed serving others through his participation in his church’s bunkhouse ministry geared towards providing mentorship and ministry to young cowboys in the rodeo arena and in their walk through life. 

The lives Pa touched through his many adventures will forever be blessed by knowing him.

Kent is survived by his wife, Holly; children, Tara Shroyer, Lacey (Steve) Grende, Kaycee Shroyer, Savannah (Mark) Kerns; his beloved grandchildren, Cole and Henry Shroyer, Loralei, Kegan and Adeline Grende, Weston Kerns, and Holt Givens. Loving family, Elisabeth Shroyer and Hollis Givens. Siblings, Michael (Lori) Shroyer and Jacquie (Merle)Martell, as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family that he loved and cherished so deeply.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willis “Worthy” and Opal Shroyer; and brothers, Timothy Shroyer and Donald “Jay” Ekwall.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Cody Cowboy Church, South Fork Rd., Cody, Wyo., to be followed by dinner reception at the neighboring Boot and Bottle Club. The family invites everyone who knew and admired Kent to come and be a part of celebrating his life and legacy. For those who cannot attend, please see his daughter, Savannah Kerns’s, Facebook page for a livestream link. 

To honor him, donations may be made to Cody Cowboy Church Bunkhouse Ministry for those who choose.

Cremation has taken place, and no grave side services are scheduled at this time.