Alan “Al” Kent Branscom (62) of Laramie, WY departed this world March 26th, at Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, CO with the love of his life by his side. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and mentor to many, his life was defined by his unwavering loyalty, enormous heart and big personality.

Alan was born November 3, 1962 in Laramie, WY to proud parents George & Joan Branscom. His older brother, Doug, passed away at the young age of 17 after a tragic tractor accident. Alan spent much of his youth with Gale and the rest of his second family, at the Kittell Ranch as a ranch-hand and getting into mischief. Always one for an adventure, he loved riding 4-wheelers, snowmobiles and motorcycles, skiing, and shooting. 

He worked at the Wheatland Power Plant, and then became a sheriff’s deputy in Casper transferring to Laramie to be with the love of his life. Alan and Brenda got married in 1993 and in 1999 he began his career with WYDOT as a mechanic, moving to heavy equipment operator and in 2015 landing in his final role as the maintenance crew foreman for crew 1031. 

Shortly after they married, without hesitation Alan adopted Brenda’s daughter, Samantha. This began their very own family tree. Alan and Brenda brought four amazing children into this world: Jaylee, Dustin, Brandy and Grace. Alan was a fantastic father, supporting his five kids through school, sports, choir and everything in between. 

Sharing his adventurous spirit with his children, he encouraged them to explore the world and make their own memories, build their own lives at their own pace, to be their own people while always reminding them he would be their soft place to land. 

He modeled a life built on faith in God, hard work, love, loyalty, resilience and family values. He loved classic rock, 90’s country music, movies and action films and tolerated board games if it meant hanging out with his family. It was common practice for Alan to sit at the kitchen table while dinner was cooking, scrolling to find the funniest clip of the day to share. He loved adventures and traveling in his youth touring Asia, skiing in Steamboat and found peace in the mountains camping with his family as often as they could. 

There are too many stories to include and we could go on forever about Alan’s shenanigans. Just ask his “rowdy days” crew and his adventure buddies, or work family to tell a tale or two. Wish we could share them all.

Family was everything to Alan and he fully embraced the role as Paga (grandpa) to his two grandkids, Harper and Otto Weitzel. When the grandkids popped by his office, he always had pennies in his desk drawer to give them and sweet treats, of course. He was most generous with the most precious gift of all, his attention as the kids would often climb onto Paga’s lap for a snack and a chat where he would be happy to babble away lovingly. 

Throughout his career with WYDOT he met some wonderful people along the way. He ended his career as the Highway Maintenance Specialist II, spending the last three years working closely with his son-in-law, Lt. Brock Weitzel as they battled the roads during harsh winters together. 

Alan is survived by his mother, Joan; beloved wife, Brenda; his children Samantha and Brock Weitzel, Jaylee, Dustin, Brandy and Grace Branscom and grandchildren Harper and Otto Weitzel.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Doug and father, George. 

His love, presence, guidance, generosity, smile, eyes, and facial hair will be deeply missed but not forgotten. We find peace knowing he is in God’s loving embrace. His legacy lives on through all the lives he touched. May he rest in peace knowing he was loved by many and that his love continues to shine through his family. 

A viewing will be held in Wheatland, Wyoming at Gorman Funeral Home, Thursday, April 10 from 2:00 pm-6:00 pm.

Funeral vigil will be held in Laramie, Wyoming at St. Paul’s Newman Center, Friday, April 11 at 6:30 pm.

Funeral will be held at Saint Paul’s Newman Center, Saturday, April 12 at 9:00 am with reception immediately following burial until 3:00 pm in Bishop Newell Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be sent in memory of Alan Branscom to Laramie Interfaith, St. Paul’s Newman Center, St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church. Or to support the family with funeral, travel and medical expenses please use the following link: