Aaron Michael Essex died on August 19, 2021, at the Cheyenne Regional Hospital in Cheyenne Wyoming after losing his battle with gastric cancer.
Aaron was born on May 27th, 1966, to Truman Terry Essex and Connie Jean Brewer Essex in Miles City Montana. He spent his early years around the Forsyth area and graduated from Forsyth High School in 1984. He was active in football, wrestling and FFA. He spent his summers as a youth working for local ranches and breaking horses. He also spent a lot of time with his family at the cabin at Hell Creek. After high school, Aaron attended Sheridan College.
He married Wendee Deibel in March of 1987 and left the following week to attend Navy Bootcamp in Florida. He served in the Navy for four years, spending the last three stationed at San Vito Air Station in southern Italy. While there he competed in power lifting and flag football for the Navy team. In 1989, his first son, TJ was born. After leaving the service in 1991, the family moved to Bozeman where Aaron finished his college degree in business with a minor in economics. After college graduation, the family moved to Miles City where Aaron worked for Farm Credit Services as a loan officer. In 1993 his second son, Tyler was born. Aaron went back to school in 2002 to follow his dream of becoming a teacher. He was one of the first students to receive his master’s degree in education in a pilot online program from MSUB. Aaron taught at the Pine Hills School for Boys for one year before accepting a position at Washington Middle School in Miles City, where he taught social studies and history for 16 years. During his tenure as a teacher in Miles City he coached football, boys basketball, girls basketball and track and field. He was mostly referred to in Miles City as “Coach Essex” or “Big E”. The kids he coached and the coaches he met from across the state were special to him. Aaron could always be found in the high school weight room and enjoyed helping kids with their lifting. He was involved in the Badland All-star Football game for many years. After Aaron was diagnosed with cancer, he wanted to live near his sons. He and Wendee moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming in 2020 and he taught at McCormick Junior High until his health forced his retirement.
Aaron was proudest of his family and their accomplishments, especially of the boys both becoming teachers. He was proud of his football family and coached for 12 years as an assistant with the Custer County Cowboys football team. He was part of three state championship football teams, two of which were with Tyler as a player.
His hobbies included football, weightlifting and golf. As often as they could, Aaron and Wendee traveled to St George, UT to golf.
Aaron is survived by his wife of 34 years, his sons, TJ (Justine), and Tyler (Destiny Martinez). He is also survived by his father, Terry (Garnet) Essex and siblings, JT (Lynn) Essex, Zamian (Meisha) Essex and Amber Essex, his step siblings Colin (Cyndi) Dubois and Charlee (Rob) Creasy. Three sisters–in-law, Jackee (Craig) Randall, Karalee (Warren) Fritz and Kristee (Ward) Weischedel. He also had many nephews and nieces whom he loved and enjoyed spending time with. HIs most recent niece, McKinley Phipps was born several hours before Aaron’s death.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Connie Essex, older brother Timmy Essex, grandparents Truman and Eunice Essex, Francis and Adrian Brewer as well as his in-laws, Jack Deibel and Peggy Jones.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 27, 2021 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, a memorial fund has been set up in Aaron’s honor to help kids who need financial assistance to be able to participate in sport programs. The memorial may be made out to Washington Middle School, 210 N. 9th Street, Miles City, MT 59301.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday August 27, 2021
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday August 28, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday August 27, 2021
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday August 28, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Jean Jones says
My heart is breaking for all of you. What a wonderful man he was. Always positive best teacher and coach. My kids loved him as a teacher and he always took the time to continue following what they were doing after middle school. I will pray many prayers for you all.
Jean Jones
Kelly Young (Boschee) says
So sorry to hear of Aaron’s passing. Many memories of my cousin starting with babysitting through adulthood. He was always happy and easy going. Prayers to his immediate family.
Brooks Tally says
Im thankful I had the opportunity to have him as a coach and a teacher. So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Zach Austin says
I had the opportunity to have Mr. Essex as a history teacher in 8th grade. Great teacher and coach. Was shocked to hear the news. Rest in peace.
Diane Welbes says
So shocked to hear this–sorry about your loss. May it comfort you to know that I care.
Beth (Petro) Brunk says
I’m so sorry for your loss. My family has been friends of the Essexes ever since I can remember. Lots of great Hell Creek memories. RIP Aaron.
Maretta & Tim says
loved it when Aaron & JT came to the house & sat at the counter eating Christmas cookies. Aaron wanted them right out of the oven & JT wanted the cookie dough. I still think of them when I bake.
Carolyn (Johnson) Hays says
I didn’t know Aaron was teaching in Miles City. I lost track of the family after I moved away from Forsyth and the boys grew up. Both boys were great friends of my son Doug. I am so sorry for your loss and my prayers are with all of you. I will make sure Doug knows also. Cooky Johnson Hays
Sheila Hansen says
My heart is broken at the loss of Aaron. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Darbie Karch and family says
Sending condolences to Aaron’s family. He was a great teacher and coach for our town. He will be missed by all. Prayers as you get through these next few weeks. 🙏 💜
Connie Brown says
Condolences to the Essex Family. Sorry to hear of your families loss. Remembering our days together at HellCreek! Hold tight to your memories. May God bring you piece as others try to bring comfort.
Denise Harvey says
A wonderful man and great teacher! Prayers for you all!
May cherished memories bring you comfort.
Denise Harvey
Kaden Kuchynka says
Lots of great memories in his classroom and with him on the football field. His dedication to the football team, even while sick, was a great example to us all. Thoughts and prayers to the family. RIP Coach Essex.
Chris Reed says
Such a sad loss. Coach Essex was a great mentor to many great athletes and a great colleague. Rest easy Coach, you fought one heck of a fight.
Marilyn & Cliff Schantz says
We are so very sorry. Aaron was a good guy and will be missed. We so appreciated his visits while he was battling to stay healthy. We are fortunate to be able to have been a part of his life. RIP Aaron. Our thoughts are with his family. Stay strong and cherish the valuable memories that you all have of him.
Dee Batey says
So very sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
Curtis and Kate Terrett says
So sorry for your loss
Monty & Sheila Haselhuhn says
We were so sad to hear of Aaron’s passing. He always had a smile and a chuckle to share with all. We send condolences to his family. Rest In Peace.
Joan Leinwand says
Sending my condolences.
Jackie Armstrong says
Aaron was a Great co-worker. My heat goes out to your and yours
Dwayne Albertson says
I’m sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Aaron.
Hazel Stabler says
Wendee and boys, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you. May God wrap his arms around you and give you comfort.
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Wendee, My heart is heavy thinking of you and your loss. I hope memories help heal your heart. I am sending prayers for you and your family to ease the pain of grieving and help with healing.
Bobbi Ruff says
I first met Mr. Essex when he was the student teacher for my 5th grade class. Then I moved to middle school, where he was my geography teacher, then when I went to high-school I was a football manager for all 4 years, and Mr. Essex also coached. He was an amazing coach, and a wonderful teacher! Sending prayers for all the family. Rest peacefully coach!
Gary and Muriel Selk says
Wendee, TJ, Tyler and families: So sorry to hear of Aaron’s passing. May God hold you in his arms until the hurt becomes fond memories.
Danielle Peterson says
I am so saddened to hear of Aaron’s passing. I loved working with Aaron at McCormick and he will be very missed. My family will be praying for peace for the family.
Matthew Staheli and Katrina Slabaugh says
I am so sorry for your loss. Aaron was an amazing person who brought happiness and smiles to his students and co-workers. He was admired by all. The world is a bit darker with him gone, and he will be sorely missed.
Susan & Dennis Bakken says
Our deepest sympathies
Dennis and Bonnie says
Thinking of you Wendee and family at this sad time..Prayer to all..
Brett & Jean Tally says
Both of my sons enjoyed Mr. Essex as a teacher and as a coach. He gave a lot to our youth and community. God bless him and his family. My deepest sympathies
Mary Hurr says
Wendee, TJ, Tyler and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Aaron’s passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Aaron was a wonderful man and teacher and will be missed by many.
Mary, Tim and Sam Hurr, Garrett Askin Family and Gavin Askin Family
Edward Grywusiewicz says
Aaron was a good cowboy. I had a lot of fun with the man .We roped a lot of his uncles cattle. Wendee and the boys.I’m so sorry for your loss.
Sherry Oster says
Thinking of all of you during this most difficult time. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal. Prayers to family and friends.
Mike & Connie Capra says
Wendee and family, May you find peace in all the great memories you shared. Sincerest condolences.
Pete Stanton says
Our condolences to Aaron’s family and friends. Aaron made a lasting impact on so many.
Kym (Chessmore) Brown says
I was saddened to hear of Aaron’s passing and extend condolences to all Of Aaron’s family.
Grace and Peace
Kym Brown
alyssa wagner says
I’m so sorry for your loss i’m very grateful i had the chance to have him as my 7th grade teacher, he was my favorite. didn’t know losing someone i’ve known for a short time would make such a big impact, prays going toward immediate family. rest in peace
Ann Christopherson says
I had the pleasure of working with Aaron, at McCormick Junior High. We would joke and laugh as we visited in between classes. His students loved him. He was proud of them too. There wasn’t a day that went by following his absence that his students didn’t ask about him. I am sorry I didn’t have more time with him, I miss our chats. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
Lori Ferguson Reierson says
Remember Aaron as suck a happy kid. So sorry for your loss you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lori Ferguson Reierson says
Remember Aaron as such a happy kid. So sorry for your loss you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
It is always so hard to believe that a dedicated teacher, husband, parent & friend can be taken from us so early in life, but his suffering is over. Wendee, TJ, Tyler and all the Essex relatives & friends: may your memories comfort you in the long, sad days ahead. Aaron gave life his all!
bill janssen says
Sorry to hear this Wendee and kids. Remember him coaching.
Trevor Newman says
Aaron took me under his wing as a first year teacher at Washington Middle School. We coached football together and had a blast. He would give me rides home from work, I eventually had to tell him why, but he was fine with it. I wish I kept in contact with him more. The stories and experiences I had are countless. Wendee, TJ and Tyler., sending my love and condolences.
Brian Talcott says
So sorry to hear of your loss, Wendee, and family and friends.
Tara Davis Bilharz says
I am shocked to hear this news, Aaron was so full of life. Prayers and condolences to all his family and friends.
Rusty and Ruthie says
So much sadness words can’t express. Know our prayers are with you and your special boy.
Bonnie says
Wendee and family: gone too soon, gone much, much too soon. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Bonnie Russiff Schott
Amanda Durham says
I’m so sorry for you loss. Praying for your family!
Kendall Makelky says
I’m thankful to have had the chance to be taught and coached by Mr. Essex. He was always one of my favorite coaches and teachers. Always looked forward to the after school and summer liftings with him. Prayers to the Essex family.
Jane Janssen-Huber/Paul says
so sorry for your loss. Happy memories and faith will sustain you.
Patty Mott says
Dear Essex family
I was so shocked to hear of Aaron’s passing. My heart goes out to all of you at this time. God bless. May your memories of Aaron eventually triumph over your loss of him.
Lee Zuck says
Dear Essex Family
I am sorry for your loss. MY thoughts and prayers are going out to all of you. I had the honor of working with Aaron at Washington Middle School the year before he moved to Cheyenne. He made me feel like I was apart of the WMS family from the very first day I met him. God bless!
Carol Bean says
Our sympathies to Wendee and boys. We did not know Aaron personally but know of the impact he had on Miles City Schools. His loss will be felt throughout the community.
JR & Carol Bean
TY BAN says
My prayers and thought are with you Wendee and family, sorry for your loss.
Kevin Oster says
Aaron was great. You have our love and prayers.
Brian Russiff says
Wendee and family: so sorry to hear of your loss.
Julie and Butch Krutzfeldt says
Thank you for the countless hours Aaron devoted to the children of Miles City. We are truly sorry for your loss.
Donnie and Lori Finnicum says
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers.
Scott & Heather Nelson says
So sorry for your loss. Aaron was a great teacher and coach. It showed how much he cared for his students and players. Cherish your memories together.
Naomi Rusdal says
Sorry for your loss. Deepest Sympaty to the Essex and Diebe Families.
Naomi and Bob Rusdal also Doris Abarr
Rohn Ratliff says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. I have the greatest respect for Aaron and really enjoyed the time I got to work with him at WMS. He was loved by all, students and staff alike. I will always remember him for telling things like it was and always cracking us up at staff meetings. May God be with you all and give you comfort and peace during this time and moving forward.
Kelly Wilcox says
I’m so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working with Aaron at WMS. He always stood his ground and said whatever was on his mind. He impacted so many students and athletes of MC! Thinking if you all.
Donna Delp says
So saddened to hear of Arron’s passing. Had lost track of you folks after you left our place before you got married. Arron was our first hired man after our youngest son left home. I’m sure Arron never forgot his first day of work on Aug 1, probably 1984, when a professional thief stole the guns out of our house. My husband Jack took the keys out of the thief”s little pickup so when he came back out of our house from putting the guns back he could not leave until the cops got there. Arron was in charge of the thief while we called the cops. Always felt bad to have had to put Arron on that job. Glad to hear that Arron was so well liked. We thought a lot of him also. He was a good guy from day one. So sorry for your loss. May faith give you hope and memories give you joy. With deepest sympathy and prayers.
Bill and Rita says
To Wendee and boys,
Such a tremendous loss! The love that comes through the photos shows how hard this will be for all of you! Aaron was a great kid when we were blessed to know him best. Trips to Hell Creek and wood cutting at the Adams ranch were “experiences”!
To Terry, Garnet, JT, Lynn,Zambian, and Amber,
Loosing a child and a brother changes our priorities forever! The loss of two has to be devastating! The love that is shared in your family will bring you through! Aaron, Timmy and Connie are together and wait patiently until the Lord brings you all together!
All our love and prayers,
Bill, Rita, Heather, Mackensie, Judd, Barry, 💖Mick💖, and Jordan
Dale E Barta says
Wendee and Family – I am so sorry for you loss. May God Bless you and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dale Barta
marcus belgarde says
sorry for your your loss essex family. i really loveed to have him as my 7th grade teacher. Aaron was a great man to have known.
Sabrina Spannagel says
My deepest condolences go out to Aaron’s family. He was a very kind person.
Dominick Vergara says
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Essex Family. It was a pleasure to watch Aaron coach football. I enjoyed his competitive personality and big smile. Lucky for the opportunity to have worked with him. – Dom Vergara
Damien Brockel says
As an old friend of Zamian and Amber, my condolences to the family and friends. Peace be with you.
Robert (Bob) Lea says
Aaron and I met in Pensacola, shortly after Navy boot camp. Aaron, his wife Wendee, and myself became very close friends. I have always considered them more like family. I have so many wonderful memories of those four years we spent together. I love and will miss talking to you, brother. Since those days, it looks like you had a great life. I will see you in the next life, I’m sure of it. God bless you Wendee, I love you.