Fred Homer (1940-2006) served as a University of Wyoming policital science profesor from 1974-2006 and mayor of Laramie, Wyoming from 2002-2004. He gradudated from Rutger's University with a degree in economic and later served as second lieutenant in the Army and worked for Price Waterhouse for a year and a half. The experience convinced him to pursue a doctorate degree at Indiana University.
While teaching classes at Purdue University, Homer wrote his first book: "Guns and Garlic: Myths and Realities of Organized Crime." It was recognized by The American Scholar as one of the best social science books of its time. However, it was only the first of several books he would later go on to write. He also authored "Character: An Individualistic Theory of Politics," "Primo Levi and the Politics of Survival" and "Interpretation of Illness."
Homer married his highschool sweethart, Carole Krane and they had three children. He joined the University of Wyoming in 1974, where he created the Administration of Justice Program and taught courses in political philosophy. He was Advisor of the Year and won the Alumni teaching award in 1990.
Homer, who served on the Laramie City Council from 2000 to 2004, was an outspoken advocate of the smoking ban, and a staunch supporter of the Laramie Community Recreation Center, where he was a registered member. Homer died January 1, 2006 from heart problems at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN.
From the guide to the Frederic D. Homer papers, 1949-2005, (University of Wyoming. American Heritage Center.)
