Kenneth Craig Brookhouse

Kenneth Craig Brookhouse, age 88, died on December 8th, 2022 in Casper, Wyoming. He was born the third of four children to William (a charming Clark Gable look-a-like) and Dorothy (a loving no-nonsense homemaker) Brookhouse in Detroit, Michigan on July 29th, 1934. He spent his youth on the family farm in Romulus, Michigan with siblings William, Phyllis and Dorothy. He said they only had to buy groceries every few weeks or so since they grew their own produce and farm animals.

He graduated from Romulus High School in 1952 and shortly after, married Frances Dolce. They made their home (which he helped build) in Wyandotte, Michigan and had four children: Mike, Paul, Beth and Paula. He started as a milkman before becoming a motorcycle policeman for the Wyandotte Police Department. For a time, he was responsible for delivering a full milk route while working full time at the police department. Ken worked a lot and liked to keep busy. He often fixed cars on the weekends for friends and neighbors, which led to a job as an auto mechanic. He was very handy and could fix or build just about anything. During this time, he also enjoyed deer hunting, fishing and deep-sea diving. He actually broke the record for deepest dive through the ice in Torch Lake, Antrim County, Michigan.

After his divorce and moving from Michigan, he became a Supervisor at the security firm Wackenhut Corp which was based in San Francisco, California. This position also took him to Dallas, Texas; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Tampa, Florida. Instead of retiring in one place, he bought a van, camper and boat and traveled all over the country. He supplemented his income selling spices and condiments for some good friends, which allowed him to travel from place to place. He thoroughly enjoyed his nomad lifestyle: wintering in Baja, Mexico, where he loved to deep sea fish; and in Quartzite, AZ. He spent summers in California, Oregon, New Mexico, and Wyoming visiting family and friends. One of his favorite jobs was working for the Forest Service in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho as a campground host. He spent the last few years enjoying the weather in North Carolina before coming to Wyoming to be near family and friends who were able to help him live independently. He traveled extensively all over the US and made friends everywhere he went. Besides traveling, Ken was an avid photographer, taking pictures of flowers, birds and nature. He even became the designated photographer for any of the residents at St Anthony Manor who wanted to be on the "Know Your Neighbor" board. He loved to cook, fish, tinker, and do crossword puzzles. The man especially loved thrifting and a good garage sale. He was very proud of his full head of hair, his "youthful" appearance, and his independence. Determined to be on his own, he insisted on having his own set of "wheels". Although usually in good health, he was known to say frequently, "Getting old ain't for sissies".

Ken is survived by his little sister, Dorothy of Punta Gorda, Florida; his children: Mike Brookhouse of Fort Worth, TX; Paul Brookhouse of Evanston, WY, Beth Brookhouse of Idaho, Paula Roberts of California, Darla Storkamp of Casper, WY, and James Katona of Mexico; and six grandchildren: Kelli, Jessica, Matt, Tommy, Chance and Elizabeth. His son-in-law, Mike Storkamp, held a special place in his heart. He is also survived by some very close friends; Harry Morrow, Joni Carpenter, John and Diane Cannon, Sandra Cummins, and Bob and Linda Roberts.

There will not be a funeral service; only a small gathering for a celebration of life. His ashes will be scattered in some of his favorite places, as well as interred at the Oregon Trail Veterans Cemetery. Please consider a donation to Meals on Wheels in lieu of flowers

Arrangements are under the direction of Newcomer Casper. To leave the family a special message, please select the "Share Memories" option.