RANDALL ‘RANDY’ JAMES BRATTON

Randall “Randy” James Bratton, age 62, has finally sheathed his sword after a valiant and courageous battle against Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) over the last 10 years. Randy drew his final breath on a quiet evening at his home in Casper, Wyoming, on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. He was surrounded by his family, friends, and some of his amazing care team. So many others had traveled to visit him during the weeks prior to his passing. Saying goodbye, while he was still able, was a priority for him. He did not fear dying so much but the thought of missing and leaving behind those he loved was difficult on him. That was textbook Randy, always caring for and protecting those he loved.

He was born on May 14 ,1962, to Richard and Alice Bratton in Newcastle, Wyoming, and was the middle of three children, Richard “Dick” being the oldest and Beth, the youngest. He milked that birth placement card often throughout his upbringing, much to the chagrin of his siblings.

The Bratton family left Newcastle and resided in both Lead and Custer, South Dakota, before returning to Newcastle, where Randy was educated from fourth grade through his graduation. The Class of 1980 was a cohesive bunch and provided many friendships for Randy, many that have been maintained over the years. He was easy to like and inclusive of all!

The University of Wyoming brought Randy additional friendships, a chance to continue playing basketball, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical and Sedimentary Geology in 1987. Traveling on the highway with Randy, one was exposed to the knowledge he gleaned at UW and there wasn’t a rock, ridge, or layer of sediment that he couldn’t define and talk incessantly about. He was easy to listen to and was so smart. Upon his degree completion, Randy was employed as a junior engineer and analyst by Wyodak Resources Development Corporation in Gillette, Wyoming (1990-1997).

He was married in 1990 and became the proud father of sons, Jacob and Rhett, in 1993 and 1995, respectively. His sons forever changed him for the better, and he dedicated his life to their well-being and development. To his last day, they were at the forefront of his continued fight. His integrity, his compassion, his loving heart, and his generosity are seeds he has planted within them.

From 1997-2007, Randy went to work for SGS North America Inc. as director of Western Operations, working out of both Gillette and later, near Denver (Parker, Colorado). The last leg of his career from 2007-2021, found him employed with T-T ranch LLC, Eastland Development, and Home Ranch Office LLC, all part of the McMurry Corporation. He managed four ranches and once said that he never felt like he worked a day in his life. He loved his job, found peace in the day-to-day responsibilities, and took great pride in his work. It did not hurt that his working colleague, Casey Davis, was a perfect match for Randy’s work ethic, humor, and dedication. It was a very sad day for Randy when he was unable to return to work, but he was blessed near the time of his retirement with his two grandsons, Meyer (2020) and Owen (2022).

As a Papa, he beamed when they visited and he showered them with love.
Randy was an avid outdoorsmen and he had so many adventures over the years hiking, golfing, hunting, and fishing with his best friends. He played in many Gold Medal basketball tournaments and had a 20-year career playing summer softball. He enjoyed lifting weights and being physically active, and when the disease progression prohibited that, he grieved. Until he didn’t. He turned that grief into renewed energy. He lived each day with optimism, integrity, perseverance, and humor and he has won a place in God’s heavenly kingdom. His amazing singing voice remained strong to the end, his knowledge of song lyrics impressed many, and his telling and retelling of his favorite jokes kept everyone groaning.

His faith was unprecedented, given his circumstance, and with the help of his friends, unbelievable in-home care team, and hospice team, he was able to live out his life on his terms. On Randy’s behalf, our family gives many thanks to Jacque, Holly, Heidi, Traci, Natasha, Beth, Michael, Victoria, Stephanie, and Chaplain Tami. We thank his amazing neighbors, Jennifer and Randy McIntyre, who helped Randy in far too many ways to list but he loved them
dearly and appreciated their unconditional love and good watch over him. We also thank Martha and Kenny Decker, who came back into Randy’s life at just the right time, providing him many hours of conversation, companionship, love, and hours of care that he needed.
Randy is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Alice.

Family members that will live to carry on his legacy are son, Jake Bratton (Meghan) and grandsons Meyer and Owen; son, Rhett Bratton; brother, Dick Bratton (Lisa); sister, Beth Tocci (Larry); nephew, Richie Bratton (Megan) great-nephew, Jax and great nieces, Dorothy and Frances; niece, Jessica Vega (Matt) and great-niece Kaya; niece, Caitlin Craig (Mitch) and great-niece Maris; niece, Mackenzie Bartsch; nephew, Shea Bartsch; and niece, Sierra Bartsch.
Funeral services for Randy will be held on Tuesday, June 25, at 10 a.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 710 E. 2nd St., Casper. Interment will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, Randy would want you to just spend key time loving your family and friends and give to a charity of your choosing.