Conn "Chief" Nield Astle passed away peacefully on December 25, 2017.

Conn was born on October 29, 1931 in Afton Wyoming, to Elwood (Skeeter) and Effie Nield Astle. He had four siblings, Melba, Ken, Ressa and Rex.

Conn attended Star Valley High School from 1946 – 1950. He attended the University of Wyoming in 1951 for a short period of time before returning home to work. In January 1953, Conn was drafted into the United States Army for the Korean War where he served for two years.

Conn worked for the State of Wyoming Highway department as a member of the survey crew from 1955-1986. He was appointed Justice of the Peace in 1972 where he served until 1982. During this time, he also served as the County and City Judge.

In 1959, Conn joined the Afton Volunteer Fire Department. The fire department was a great source of pride and enjoyment to him for many years. He was elected fire chief eight different times for a total of 16 years. In 1972 he was elected president of the State Fireman's Association. He retired from the department in 1996.

The Mayor of Afton named February 8, 2003, Conn Astle Day in honor of the years of service and dedication that Conn provided to the town and community. For 45 years, Conn voluntarily prepared and maintained the city ice skating rink at the town park (1960 – 2005).

In 1955, Conn married LaJette Erickson of Fairview, Wyoming. They divorced after two months and in 1956 she had twin daughters, Sydney and Sindy.

In May 1956, Conn married Mary Lynn Chapman of Etna, Wyoming. They were married for ten years and had three boys, Jay (Amy Lientz), Rex (Deb) and Dru (Karen).

Later, in 1969, Conn married Betty Wirthlin Clark. She had three children, Sandy, Cheryl (Dave Bryngelson) and Doug (Lonnie Stephens). Conn and Betty had one girl together, Christine (Jake Osborne), in 1970. Together they raised their seven children in Afton.

Conn has 19 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren on the way.

Conn was proceeded in death by each of his siblings and his son, Dru Astle.

He was an incredible man and beloved by not only his family but the entire community. His integrity, generosity and character were second to none. He be will greatly missed.

The funeral service will be held at the Afton Stake Tabernacle on January 3rd, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. with a viewing starting at 11:30. A viewing will also be held January 2nd from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Schwab's Mortuary in Afton.

Viewing: Tuesday January 02, 2018 7:00 PM
Funeral: Wednesday January 03, 2018 1:00 PM
Burial: Wednesday January 03, 2018 2:30 PM