Roger Arthur Brookwell

Roger Arthur Brookwell, 77, passed away on November 4, 2026, at The Billings Clinic, surrounded by the people he loved most.

Roger was born on June 7, 1949, in San Francisco, California, to Nick and Gertrude (Brady) Brookwell. He grew up in San Francisco, where he graduated from high school before attending college. His education was interrupted when he was drafted into the United States Army on May 18, 1971. Roger served as an infantryman in Vietnam, earning the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device, and Army Commendation Medal. He was honorably discharged on February 11, 1973.

Following his military service, Roger traveled to Worland, Wyoming, to visit his sister, Pam. He quickly took a liking to the small-town atmosphere and decided to make Worland his forever home. He began working in construction, helping build the Coors plant and several homes throughout the community, including the house he would eventually call his own.

Roger went on to spend much of his working life serving the people of Worland and Washakie County. He served as mayor of Worland for 4 years and spent 23 years in law enforcement with 12 years at the Worland police department and 11 with the Washakie County sheriff's department. Roger took his responsibilities seriously and believed his job was to stand up for people. He wasn't afraid to speak his mind or fight for what he believed was right.

It was his work in law enforcement that led him to the love of his life, Barbie Wessel. In the late 1990s, Roger responded to a 911 call Barbie had made on behalf of her grandmother. Being the thorough officer he was, Roger made sure to stop by several more times over the following weeks, just to check on Barbie, of course. Eventually, he worked up the nerve to ask her on a date. He packed a picnic, and by the end of the evening, he had earned a goodnight kiss. That was all it took. The two spent the next 25 years deeply in love.

When Roger and Barbie became a family, he welcomed her two boys, Clinton and Austin, as his own. To the boys, Roger was their dad, regardless of what any paperwork said. Making it official took longer than they had hoped, but on Roger's 70th birthday, the boys gave him a gift he would never forget. They presented him with their legal adoption papers, making him their dad on paper, just as he had always been in their hearts.

Roger could be a little rough around the edges, and those who didn't know him might have mistaken his serious exterior for a cold personality. His family and friends knew better. Underneath that tough exterior was a softhearted, emotional man who loved deeply. He was never one to turn down a tight hug or a kiss from his bride, and he treasured time spent with his grandchildren, especially when he could sneak them a few jelly beans.

When he wasn't working or spending time with family, Roger enjoyed playing racquetball, fishing, and watching WWE wrestling. He rarely missed a match on television.

Roger loved his family and his country and his determination stayed with him until the very end. During his final days at the hospital, he told the nurses he wasn't going anywhere until he got to see his kids and grandkids. After they had the opportunity to be with him and give him one last kiss, Roger passed peacefully, with the people he loved by his side.

Roger's family will always be grateful for the love he gave so freely and the family he helped build. More than anything, they want to thank him for choosing them, and loving them without him, they wouldn’t be where they are today. Without him they wouldn’t be Brookwells.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Gertrude Brookwell.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbie; sons, Clinton (Ashley) Brookwell and Austin (Jacy) Brookwell, both of Worland; grandchildren: Truex, Brexon, Lincoln, and Braylee; sister, Pam (Dan) Arps and sister-in-law, Trich (Brad) Leban.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, November 20, 2026 at Zions Church with Josh Hansen officiating.

Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.