Brett Douglas Barrowman

Brett Douglas Barrowman was born in Chicago Heights, IL on July 31, 1950. He spent his childhood in nearby Homewood, IL, and graduated from Homewood Flossmoor High School in 1968, where he was active in student government, was a member of the swim team, ran track, and played football. He moved to Norman, OK to attend the University of Oklahoma; he was a member of the Phi Delta Gamma Fraternity and, in 1972, earned a degree in Management. Brett and his wife Lisa were married in 1976, and together they have two children, Brooke and Lucas.

Throughout his childhood, Brett loved visiting family in western Illinois along the Mississippi River and spent his summers lifeguarding and, perhaps less excitedly, working for his dad’s road construction company. He was fond of music from the 1950s, 60s, and ‘70s, and upon hearing a few chords, would announce the artist, year of release, and how old he was when he first heard the song. Upon spotting a car of the same era, he would happily share the make, model, year, and the name of anyone he knew who drove that type of car.

Brett began his career with The Oklahoman and worked in advertising for many years, at Boecking Machinery and Caterpillar. He then spent three decades at American Fidelity, where in later years, his role afforded him the opportunity to travel the world organizing meetings and conferences—and most notably, making friends. Brett’s favorite destination was Hawaii, and he was lucky to have traveled to the islands more than two dozen times for “work.” He cherished his relationships with local colleagues and all the people he met through his leadership of the Financial and Insurance Conference Planners Association.

In recent years, Brett enjoyed organizing coffee gatherings, lunch outings, and his walking group, participated in boxing and yoga, volunteered weekly at Mercy Hospital, and tutored a second grader at Stanley Hupfeld Academy in Oklahoma City. He was active with the Oklahoma Parkinson’s Alliance and attended Crossings Community Church, where he was part of the Second Mile Sunday School class.

Most importantly, he found great joy in attending his granddaughters’ activities and going on vacations with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Lisa, his children Brooke (Dru) Townsend and Lucas (Carey Jones) Barrowman, and four amazing granddaughters, Laine and Adler Townsend and Lucy and Pippa Barrowman, as well as his sister, Liane (Randy) Cordle. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Janet Barrowman.

Brett Barrowman was a kind and gentle soul who cared deeply about his family, friends, and colleagues. He was patient and diplomatic and approached everything he did with a great smile. He is often described as “the nicest person I know” and was the proudest dad, best Pops, and most genuine friend.

In Brett’s memory, contributions can be made to the Oklahoma Parkinson’s Alliance (oklahomapa.org). A memorial service will take place October 21, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Crossings Community Church Chapel in Oklahoma City.