Virgil Forest “Woody” Baston

Virgil Forest “Woody” Baston

June 9, 1938 – June 11, 2022

Virgil Baston passed away quietly on June 11, 2022, in his home with Kathy, his loving wife of
12 years, caring for him.

Virgil was born in Cowley to V.C. and
Mae (Titchenal) Baston on June 9, 1938.

He grew up in Deaver and graduated from Cowley High School in 1956 where teachers he resided with told him that, if he wanted to succeed in life, he had no choice but to focus and work his way through school regardless of what it took.

With that advice he proceeded to obtain a Bachelor of Science in general engineering at the University of Wyoming, graduating class of 1960, then went on to obtain a Doctor of Philosophy in physical chemistry at the University of Wyoming, graduating class of 1965, and finally completed his Post-Doctoral at the University of Texas, graduating class of 1966.

During his time as a student, Virgil met Janet Evelyn Ball, who he married on June 7, 1959. This lady would become his loving wife of 50 years and
would provide him with three children, Patricia, Alan and Linda.

He became a certified professional engineer and chemical engineer in both Colorado and Idaho. He also became an American Petroleum Research Institute Fellow from 1962-1966.

He began his career working as the senior scientist at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory in Idaho Falls from 1966-1974. He then became the director of Research and Development for Energy Inc. from 1974 to 1979.

He then decided to take the chance on having his own company and started Physical Sciences Inc., Sun Valley, Idaho,
in 1979. He also worked as a consultant to GPU Nuclear Corporation at the Three Mile Island - 2, Middleton, Pennsylvania, from 1983 to 1988.

Virgil closed up shop and retired in 2000.

During his career he held memberships to the ACS, AICHE, ANS, NSPE and the Sigma Xi Society.

His final wishes were to have his ashes spread over the Big Horn Mountains. Virgil and his loving wife’s gravestone will be marked as his testimonial to his life.