Solon Warren Murdock passed away in the care of the Ogden Regional Medical Center in Ogden, Utah on Tuesday, July 14, 2020.

Born prematurely at the Murdock Ranch in Big Piney, Wyo., Solon came on December 11, 1953 to Joe and Jean Murdock. One of seven siblings, Solon shared ranch life with his brothers Mike, Robin, Bill, Joey and youngest brother Marty as well as his sister Jeannie Lockwood. Like many ranch youths, he spent his time working cattle, haying, and causing mischief with fellow "River Rats" in the valley. In 1965, 1967-'68, he rode for Rex Wardell who was foreman the Upper Green River Cattlemen's Association riding various allotments near Green River Lakes.

He graduated from Big Piney High School 1973 and was known for his athletic ability playing football, basketball, and track. He was also a member of the rodeo team where he participated in bareback riding, calf roping and steer-wrestling where he won the Wyoming Rodeo Association Championship honors in the event. His love for sports, especially rodeo, carried him through his life as he avidly watched the National Finals Rodeo each December with longtime friend Gary Espenscheid. After high school, Solon attended Casper College where he rodeoed under Coach Dale Styles and graduated in 1975.

He married Carol Crockett and had two children, Tara and Solon Warren Jr. Tragedy struck Solon and Carol in February 1979 as they buried their month-old infant son. Later he and Carol divorced, and he spent much of his time in Sublette County living and working alongside family and friends. Even living apart, Solon followed Tara as she played basketball, snowboarded, and did other outdoor activities.

Always known as a cowboy, many recall his kind-hand with a horse no matter their demeanor and spent many days helping neighbors work their cattle. Aside from ranching, he owned and operated an oil field service business in the 1980s and traveled to various states and events with a mounted bucking bull for patrons to take their picture with. He enjoyed hunting, socializing, and enjoying time spent with friends. Everyone who knew Solon saw his love for beagles as he was routinely seen with at least two dogs at a time over his lifetime.

In his later years, he spent his time under the care of the Sublette Center Nursing Home after a stroke left him paralyzed on his left side. He is survived by his daughter Tara Murdock and siblings Robin (Carol) Murdock, Bill Murdock, Joey (Nicole) Murdock, and Jeannie (Milford) Lockwood along with nieces Kelly Wells, Morgan Murdock, Michelle (Derek) Webb, Haley (France) Clark and nephew Tait (Christeena) Murdock and many great-nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at 10:00 AM at the Plainview Cemetery in Big Piney, Wyo., with a luncheon to follow at the Murdock Ranch (738 HWY 351, Big Piney, Wyo.).