Brian Cartmill

Brian Keith Cartmill, age 66, of North Platte, NE, passed away August 17, 2026, at his home.

Brian was born August 20, 1959, in Mt. Holly, New Jersey. The family moved to Omaha, Nebraska, when he was young. He attended high school in Louisville, NE, through the tenth grade. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in August 1976 at the age of 17. He was part of the First Battalion, First Marine Division, as a rifleman. Brian received the Rifle Sharpshooter Badge and a Good Conduct Medal and was honorably discharged in August of 1979. After serving with the Marines, he later earned his GED.

Brian started working construction in Blue Hill, NE, putting up grain bins and center pivots. During this time, he met Kim Barnett in 1980 when he went to work around Grant, NE. Kim moved to Wyoming in 1982, and Brian followed in 1983. Brian and Kim were married in Grant, Nebraska, June 30, 1984. During their marriage, they lived in Torrington, Laramie, and Cheyenne, Wyoming. Brian continued to work construction in Wyoming until he eventually went to work for B&G Steel, beginning his career in ironworking. Brian became a member of United Steel Workers Union 11-574. In April 2005, Brian went to work at the HollyFrontier Refinery in Cheyenne, WY, in the Coker Unit. Brian started at the bottom and worked his way through the ranks, ultimately becoming the head operator until that career came to an end in September of 2020 due to the refinery closing. When the refinery closed and Brian became part of the resulting layoff, he struggled to find his place in the blue-collar world again. After spending so many years at the refinery and becoming such an important part of the Coker Unit and Fire Brigade, leaving that environment was a difficult transition. Brian moved to North Platte, NE, in 2023. He worked at Walmart store stocking until he had a foot injury. He then worked for Panhandle Solar installing panels until he had a back injury.

When Brian found out Kim was pregnant with Erin, he made the decision to become clean and sober. Brian’s sobriety date is June 18, 1988. Erin was born February 1989. Brian and Kim divorced in 1991. Brian remarried two more times but had no more children.

Outside of work, Brian was also an active member of the Sober Riders Motorcycle Club. He prospected for the Club and became a Patched Member March 14, 2008. When he was off work or had a day off, there was a good chance Brian could be found participating in one of the club’s rides, gatherings, or events. The club gave Brian another community of people with whom he could share his time, experiences, and his passion for riding. Brian’s commitment to sobriety was an important part of his life. He didn’t simply keep that commitment to himself. He often counseled peers and coworkers. He celebrated 38 years of sobriety in June and received his chip with brothers in attendance. His presence will be missed in the meeting rooms.

Brian is survived by his daughter, Erin Earl of Florida; mother, Esther Long of Michigan; sisters, Joyce Wiest of Nebraska, Cathy (Jim) Shaw of Michigan, and Nora Jane (Jon) Matthews of Michigan; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Sober Riders Motorcycle Club will be hosting the Hammerhead Memorial Ride on September 19, 2026, in Ogden, Utah. Details can be found on The Sober Riders Facebook page for those interested.

Services will be held at Odean Colonial Chapel in North Platte, NE. on Monday, September 21, at 9:30 a.m.

Inurnment will be at 11 a.m. at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, NE.

Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.

Odean Colonial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.