Arthur “Harry” Anton, a familiar presence in Cheyenne’s motorsports and truck-driving communities, died at home on March 14, 2026 at age 64 while recovering from heart surgery and a stroke. His passing leaves a noticeable gap among local racers, longtime colleagues and family members who relied on his hands-on expertise and steady presence.
Born November 13, 1961, in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, Anton grew up on a farm in Tecumseh, Michigan, and finished high school in Adrian in 1980. After technical training in welding, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1981, beginning a life that blended practical skill with service.
Anton spent decades working with heavy machinery and behind the wheel—driving semi-trucks and hauling tanks and crude oil—while also building a reputation as a talented mechanic and motorsports enthusiast. He was known for restoring and racing everything from sandrails and rock crawlers to T-buckets and purpose-built racecars.
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In December 2011 he married Sandra S. Anton; the couple shared 14 years together, often camping, attending regional events and spending time outdoors. Anton was an active member of the social fabric of local racing communities, competing in events across Wyoming, Colorado and South Dakota and participating in cruise nights where friends gathered around cars and conversation.
- Full name: Arthur Harry Anton (known as “Harry” or Birdman)
- Born: November 13, 1961 — North Kingstown, Rhode Island
- Died: March 14, 2026 — Cheyenne, Wyoming
- Service: Enlisted in the United States Air Force, 1981
- Interests: Drag racing, rock crawling, motorcycle riding, vehicle restoration; member of the 3 Lobe Car Club
- Survivors: Wife Sandra S. Anton; father George S. Anton; brother Michael P. Anton; sister Kristy M. Anton; children Justin, Bobby, and Sarah Phillips (Jeremy)
- Preceded in death by: Mother Kathleen A. Anton; daughter Felicia R. Blevins
- Funeral: April 10, 2026, 2 p.m. at Wiederspahn Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes, Cheyenne, Wyoming
Friends remember Anton for his mechanical skill and his eagerness to share it—particularly at Garrett’s son’s shop, where he helped on racecars and mentored other enthusiasts. He rode Harley-Davidsons, attended local races, and took pride in the camaraderie of car-club life.
The immediate consequence of his death is personal and local: family members and a tight-knit circle of racers will organize memorials and gatherings in the coming weeks, and regular community events in Cheyenne and nearby states will be missing one of their familiar faces.
Services will be held at the Wiederspahn Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 2 p.m. Relatives and members of the racing and trucking communities are expected to attend to pay respects and celebrate a life defined by practical skill, open generosity and an enduring enthusiasm for the road and the racetrack.
