Don Sands, 76, passed away at home Nov. 21, 2017 losing his final drag race to
cancer.
He was born May 16, 1941, and was raised in Cheyenne, graduating from
Cheyenne High School in 1959. He worked at McDonald’s while in school and
styled his own hamburger that he called the “Sands” Burger. As late as 1981, you could still
order a “Sands” Burger.
Cars and drag racing were his passion, and Oldsmobile was his brand of choice. He was known
as Cheyenne’s oldest teenager; most every kid with a car knew Don.
He retired from Wyoming Chemical and devoted more time to racing his cars. Don never
married.
He will be missed and remembered for the unique person he was.
A get-together in his memory is planned for a later date. Later, Dude. Rest in peace.
Don Sands Hot Rod Reunion
PO Box 2748
Cheyenne, WY 82003
In 2019, a group of Don’s friends headed by Jim Haefele, got together to plan a Memorial to honor this hot rodder from
Cheyenne who helped generations for young car enthusiasts with their passion for cars. On August 15th, 2019, Don Sands
Memorial Get Together was held at Uncle Charlie’s in North Cheyenne. Everyone was invited to come and if you had a hot rod,
muscle car, or late model performance vehicle, to bring it out to this event. This was not to be a car show but a chance to get
together and reminisce about Don and to share our favorite stories about Cheyenne’s oldest teenager. We asked everyone to
donate to the cancer fund in memory of Don’ and we were able to donate $2,200.00 to cancer research. Most everyone
commented that they really enjoyed meeting people they had not seen in years, loved sharing stories about Don, and this
event should happen every year.
click on images for larger view
Images of cars that were there to honor our friend, Don Sands
CLICK HERE
Donny and his 1949 Chevrolet Fastback
Don’s 1949 Olds Fastback
Don’s Super Gas Chevette
Don’s 442’s
Video From 1977 Street Rod Nationals
Don Sands
and the injected
455 Olds powered
Ford Pinto