Wayne Lee Brashear

Wayne was born on May 2, 1947, in Berryville, Arkansas to Wilma and John Brashear. Wayne lived a life characterized by a relentless work ethic and a commitment to public service in various cities in Northwest Arkansas. His life was characterized by devotion to his family, service to others, and a deep commitment to keeping people safe.

Wayne’s professional life was a story of many chapters. The capstone of his professional career was at the University of Arkansas serving as its first Fire Marshal for the 500+ acre campus and its 378 buildings. During his career there, he worked to improve occupational safety, industrial hygiene, fire protection systems, and collaboration with local emergency response agencies. He was easily recognizable, oftentimes in a reflective coat and vest and always monitoring emergency radio traffic. As the campus fire marshal, Wayne brought experience, sound judgment, and a genuine concern for the well-being of students, employees, and visitors. This work produced dividends for the university in ways that they’ll likely never see or know.

Wayne’s commitment to helping others began early and was demonstrated by his father. Both he and his dad ran the ambulance service for Eureka Springs before Wayne, following in his dad’s footsteps joined the Eureka Springs Fire Department. Wayne was a natural leader, identified in high school as a model student, and once he joined the fire department his career would continue in that direction for the rest of his professional life. After many years at Eureka Springs, Wayne was recruited to be the fire chief in Siloam Springs in 1985. Wayne was a beloved member of the Siloam Springs community, building the department to become a modern agency and helping improve its ambulance service. Chief Brashear ended his uniformed service as the Deputy Chief of the Rogers Fire Department, retiring in 2002. Anywhere Wayne went, you could count on his commitment to serve, stout preparedness, and valued service. They weren’t simply parts of his profession but were also principles by which he lived.

More important than any position he held was the place Wayne occupied within his family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He took great pride in those he loved, and his family will remember his upbeat temperament and quirky disposition, sprinkled on top of his devoted love of his close circle and storytelling abilities. His influence lives on by those he hired, taught, promoted, mentored, and treated like family throughout the years.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Heather; his children, Daron and wife Donna Brashear of Richland, Missouri, John and wife Mandy Brashear of Rogers, Arkansas and Amanda and her husband Tom Jenkins of Rogers, Arkansas; his grandchildren, Brandon Brashear, Christina Moore, Brianna Shoemaker, Anna McDonald, Grace McDonald, Wyatt Harris, Westin Crawford and Thomas Jenkins; his former wife Donna Kendall and her husband Mark and many extended family members, friends, and colleagues. Honorary Pallbearers: Wyatt Harris, Westin Crawford, Thomas Jenkins, Rick Williams Jr., Will Lynch, and Daniel Willits.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Ray Brashear and Wilma Dingle Brashear; and brother Lynn Brashear.

A celebration of life honoring Chief Wayne Brashear will be held at 11:00am on September 25, 2026 at Rollins Funeral Home at 1401 West Hudson Road in Rogers, AR. A visitation will proceed at 10:00am.

Wayne’s life was one of smiling through all of life’s challenges while still providing consequential service. His family and community are safer and better because he was part of them. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all those he came across.