11/11/2025
Roger N. Brighton, age 71, of Monticello, passed away November 6, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
A Life Celebration service will be held 11:00 Wednesday morning, November 12, 2025, at the Peace United Church of Christ with interment in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 until 7, Tuesday at the Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello.
Roger is survived by his wife, Pat; his children Becky, Scott (Tara), Josh (Kerri), and Dustin (Dawn); and his sisters Karen and Linda, sister-in-law Alice Brighton He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Scot, Gavin, Emma, Rylan, Blaine, Marlee, Greta, and Paxtyn, as well as Dallas, Leah, Brendan, and Lacie, who were also special to him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas A. and Gladys (Tobias) Brighton. Brother Thomas Brighton, brothers-in-law Bob Rose, and Dave Wadlington
Roger was born on December 1, 1953, in Monticello, the son of Thomas and Gladys Tobias Brighton.
Roger was united in marriage to Deborah Williams in May 6,1972, and together they welcomed two children, Becky and Scott (Tara) Brighton. Though life later led them in different directions, Roger remained proud of the family they created and the memories they shared.
On April 20, 1991, Roger married Patricia (Pat) Chapman. They shared 37 years together, building a life of love, laughter, and partnership, and were married for 34 of those years. With Pat, Roger lovingly embraced her children, Josh (Kerri) Chapman and Dustin Chapman (Dawn), as his own.
Roger spent more than 40 years on the road as a dedicated truck driver, working for Cuckler’s, Hutchison’s, Franklin Equipment, and Custom Precast, before retiring from Lumber Specialties in January 2021. Retirement didn’t slow him down; he continued serving his community by driving school bus for Monticello and occasionally driving dump truck for Accent Construction.
Roger had a heart for service. He volunteered as an EMT with the Monticello Ambulance for 14 years and supported the Monticello Panther football program for 25+ years. For 40 years, he volunteered at the Monticello Car Show, an event he looked forward to every year. Roger was steady, dependable, and always willing to lend a hand.
Roger enjoyed football, NASCAR, gardening, and working on projects in his garage. He was an avid supporter of all Iowa sports teams and took great pride in cheering them on. He also loved creating, whether he was making wooden holiday decorations, restoring and collecting football helmets, or repurposing trucks and toys. Many of his projects became special keepsakes for his grandchildren and for children throughout the community. He especially cherished road trips and casino trips with Pat, sharing countless memories along the way.
Roger’s greatest joy was his family. He rarely missed sporting event, concert, or activity. If his grandchildren were involved, he was there in the stands proud, supportive, and cheering them on.
Roger will be remembered for his big heart, his quiet generosity, his hardworking spirit, and the way he showed his love through action.
