Death Notice – Tom Colerick
No services planned at this time
by Covill Funeral Home
December 17, 2025
Our world lost a treasure when Tom Colerick passed away suddenly on Dec. 9, 2025 at his home near Boulder, WY. Thomas LeRoy was born July 5, 1940 in Alliance, Nebraska to Albert and Julia Colerick. He was drafted into the Army and served in Panama from 1963 to 1965, where he earned recognition for his sharpshooting skills and also trained as a cook, having worked in a bakery starting at age 15. He made his first saddle at an early age for Harry Younkin while still in Nebraska.
After an honorable discharge Tom and his best friend Jerry Sterling came to Wyoming in 1968 to find work as cowboys. They found Rex Wardell at Arnold’s Cabin south of Pinedale where they had to prove their cowboy skills and were hired on the spot. Tom went on to become foreman of the Green River Drift where he hired Jo Ann (Olson) to cook and she became the love of his life. They were married May 3, 1974 in Jackson, Wyoming where Jo Ann was born and raised.
He worked on Jim Noble’s ranch, then changed careers and worked for Joe Sondgeroth at Walt’s Plumbing. During that time, Tom and Jo Ann purchased land and started designing the home they would spend the rest of their lives in together. Then he achieved his lifelong dream and opened Tom’s Saddle shop in 1987. His saddles and leatherwork are treasured by cowboys and collectors worldwide. Though he officially sold his shop in 2010, he built saddles and mentored young saddle makers until the end of his days.
Tom and Jo Ann loved to square dance with the Wind River Whirlers and Tom enjoyed trail riding with the Back Country Horsemen well into his retirement. Tom also drove a wagon in the Rendezvous Pageant for many years and participated in the Wyoming Centennial Wagon Train in 1990.
Tom was preceded in death by both of his parents, an infant brother Albert, sister-in-law InSun Colerick, brother-in-law Gene Lienemann, and his loving wife Jo Ann. He is survived by sister Margaret Lienemann, brother Harold Colerick, sister Kathy (Roger) Yerdon, children Lane Raper (Millie Parks) and Kelly Ravner, as well as his faithful dog Katie and horse Mo. No services are planned at this time.
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