Howard L. Brooks

Memorial services for HOWARD L. BROOKS, 78, will be held at 1pm Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Fort Laramie Community Center with Andy Stellpflug officiating. Howard died August 12, 2025, at Torrington Community Hospital and cremation has taken place. Memorials may be given to Saint Joseph Children's Home. A reception will follow services. The Colyer Funeral Home assisted the family with the cremation arrangements. Condolences may be sent to www.colyerfuneralhome.com. Howard LeRoy Brooks, 78, was born on July 5, 1947, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, the first of seven children to Howard and Dora Brooks. As the oldest, Howard learned early the value of hard work, responsibility, and taking pride in every task he set his mind to. He excelled in school, both academically and in basketball and track. Even while busy with school, Howard took on any job he could to help support his family. After graduating Fort Laramie High School in 1966, he attended Eastern Wyoming College for a short time before enlisting with his buddy Jim Bowsher in the U.S. Army. Later Howard extended his time in hopes of keeping his younger brothers from being drafted. Howard was sent to Vietnam, where he operated heavy machinery and formed lifelong friendships he cherished for the rest of his life. Upon returning home, Howard worked at Sunrise, where he made many lasting friendships. After Sunrise he worked for John Harvey in the Lingle/Fort Laramie area as a ranch hand. Later, he started his own custom haying business and built a small cow herd. Over the years, Howard could be found working in the beet factory in the fall, at Simplot in the spring, and in the hay fields all summer long. No matter where he worked, Howard left a lasting impression, and a trail of M&M's. In his spare time, Howard loved nothing more than spending time with friends; especially "the old gang." Whether at brandings, playing cards, sightseeing, sharing a meal, or enjoying a cold beer, Howard's company was always memorable. His laugh was as contagious as it was unmistakable. Howard's mischievous streak was nothing less than legendary, harassing friends with chickens or sneaking mannequins into friends' cars, he loved bringing humor to those around him. Howard had a generous heart and an unwavering willingness to help others. He hated to see anyone in need and was always there to lend a hand. He never missed a benefit auction; often found bidding up pies or auctioneering. Howard loved giving back to the people he cared about and was larger than life and invincible in their eyes. Long story short, Howard was truly one of a kind. His kindness, laughter, dedication and huge presence will be deeply missed, but the love and memories he gave will live on in the hearts of his family and friends forever. Howard is survived by brothers, Dennis Brooks of Glendo, Chuck Brooks of Torrington, Dave (Joan) Brooks of Hobbs NM and numerous nieces and nephews as well as numerous greats and great greats! Howard is preceded in death by his parents; his two brothers, Donnie and Jimmy Brooks; his sister, Linda Brooks and his nephew, Andy Brooks.