Former Senator Carried into State Capitol One Last Time

MARCH 28, 2025|

Photo – Former Senator Craig Thomas, Former President George Bush, and Al Simpson on a fishing trip – Courtesy Craig Thomas web page via Wikipedia

Wyoming mourns the late Al Simpson.

In Cheyenne Thursday, the ceremony was somber. A military procession carried the flag-draped casket bearing the elder statesman into the Wyoming Capitol one final time.

Simpson built an extraordinary career in politics that spanned from Cody to Cheyenne, and onto Washington, D.C. He bridged the gaps that separate us in life through humor.

On Dec. 5, 2018, Delivering a eulogy at the funeral of his late friend, George H.W. Bush, the retired U.S. Senator from Wyoming made this observation about life in the nation’s capital.

Sitting in the front rows during the service were former presidents George Bush, Jr., Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, as well as the current president Donald Trump. All laughed at the former Wyoming senator’s dry observation of their very public political life.

Simpson recalled during the eulogy for his friend that life in the nation’s capital had become a “tumultuous one,” saying that he had gone from the “A” list in Washington circles to the “Z” list. He was always loved in Wyoming, though.

Yesterday in Capitol Building, Simpson’s family gathered around the casket and sang “The More We Get Together,” a popular children’s song about family and friendship.

Thursday’s event was attended by about 100 people, including state dignitaries such as Secretary of State Chuck Gray, Treasurer Curt Meier and Auditor Kristi Racines.  Governor Mark Gordon had not yet returned from Washington, D.C., where yesterday, he testified before a Congressional on behalf of Brian Nesvik.

The Governor will return to Wyoming today as the funeral services for Simpson continue.

A military recession of Simpson’s casket will take place at 2 p.m. today at the Capitol. At 11 a.m. Saturday, Simpson’s family will host a free celebration of life for Simpson at the University of Wyoming’s Arena Auditorium.

The funeral service for Simpson will occur Monday morning in Cody. It will be broadcast live on Wyoming PBS.