Richard R. Brougham, 84, of Scottsbluff, Nebraska passed away Friday, May 12, 2023, at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff. A memorial service will be held Monday, May 22, 2023, at 1 p.m. at Reverence Funeral Parlor in Scottsbluff with Pastor Gary Hashley officiating. Inurnment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff. The United States Marines and Gering American Legion Post 36 Funeral Honor Guard will provide military honors. Cremation has taken place in accordance with his wishes. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.
Richard was born October 5, 1938, in Mondovi, Wisconsin to Ruth J. (Johnson) and James Edward Brougham. Richard went into the military following high school and was a Corporal in the United States Marine Corp from 1957 to 1960; Delta Company 7th Battalion-FMF.
He went on to work for Caterpillar Company in Aurora, Illinois after his military service. He later worked for several of his beloved friends including Tab and Cathy Ruffing at their carwash, and Scott and Barb Simmerman at their laundromats. Richard worked in the construction industry and heavy equipment operation until he retired.
Richard married his first wife, Betty, and to this union they had two sons, Robert and Michael, and one daughter, Cindy Lou. They divorced and Richard married Melita, his second wife. The couple divorced and he later met the love of his life, Charlene Kishiyama. They married October 6, 1984, in Scottsbluff and were married for 35 years until Charlene “Charly” passed away in April 2020.
Richard loved to go hunting in his younger years. He was an avid fisherman and could be found at the lake and streams fishing whenever he had a chance. He was very good at woodworking and made numerous birdhouses, which were never duplicated as they were always different. Many people stopped by his home and bought birdhouses from him.
Richard enjoyed caring for his yard and was proud of his flowers every spring. During Richard’s later years, he enjoyed going for an ice cream cone and driving out to Robidoux Pass to see his longhorns. He often took a daily trip to the Stagecoach to get a piece of pizza for lunch.
He was a very kind, considerate, caring, and funny person. He always had a good joke or something to make you laugh and brighten your day. Richard also enjoyed writing poems in his alone time. They are beautifully written and meaningful, some of which have also been published.
Survivors include his brother, Roger Brougham of Cambridge, NE; daughter, Cindy Lou Mendez; sons, Robert and Michael Brougham; nieces, Kelly Cappel and Kristi Geohagen; and nephews, Scott, Steve, and Shannon Brougham.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, James and Ronald Brougham; and wife, Charlene.