Louis Alexander Bartlett

Louis Alexander Bartlett

October 12, 1948 – March 15, 2025On March 15, 2025, Louis Alexander Bartlett, better known as Louie, signed off for the last time, passing away peacefully at home in Kemmerer, Wyoming, a town he loved as much as he loved complaining about its winters and potholes. But no matter how much he grumbled, Kemmerer was home, and the people there were his family.Born on October 12, 1948, in Kemmerer, Wyoming, Louie was one of seven children. He grew up inventing ways to entertain himself outside, where his creativity and resourcefulness shined, although sometimes to his mom’s dismay. According to his beloved sister Georgetta, Louie had a habit of sneaking her good kitchen knives outside to carve boxes into forts, only to leave them out in the yard. That adventurous spirit never left him. Whether it was turning an old box into a fort or figuring out how to fix something with whatever was on hand, Louie’s knack for problem-solving and making the best of any situation started young. His favorite fix was always duct tape or black electrical tape.Louie was a proud Marine who volunteered to serve in Vietnam and extended his tour when he didn’t have to. He was proud of his service but, like many, didn’t talk about it much. After returning home, Louie spent over 45 years as a master mechanic at the mine, sticking it out through brutal Wyoming winters and grueling shift work. He could fix just about anything and took pride in mentoring new mechanics, not just on how to keep things running, but on how to pull a good prank or nail a perfect impression. Louie believed that hard work and laughter went hand in hand, and he passed down both with equal skill.One of his most defining life chapters started on the 4th of July weekend in 1973, when a busy cashier at Safeway found herself in a bind. The tape had run out at her register, panic was setting in, and in walked Louie. Having worked at the store since childhood, he knew exactly how to change the tape and had it fixed in record time, helping her get back to ringing up camping groceries. But Louie didn’t just fix the register that day, he stole her heart. Louie and Caline Barnes went on to marry, raise a family, and eventually part ways as partners, but remained the truest of friends. He was always invited to Barnes family events, especially the annual 4th of July picnic at the basin, where he discovered that he actually did enjoy playing cornhole after all!Louie’s heart belonged to his family. He was a full-time Pappa/Grandpa for the last 17 years, a beloved uncle affectionately known as Uncle Louie to nieces and nephews who knew they could count on him for anything, a loyal brother and son who never missed a Bartlett family gathering or a chance to visit his mom for coffee when she was still alive. After retiring, Louie loved traveling around to each of his kids’ houses to spend time with his grandkids, often sneaking them Cheetos and Twizzlers in secret, but figuring he could make up for it by planting a garden at each house to balance things out. One year, he pulled off the incredible feat of making it to all seven of his grandkids’ birthday parties, a journey that took him to Pinedale, Green River, and Denver. He liked to joke that he wasn’t home much that year!Louie loved being out in the country with family, snowblowing the whole neighborhood just because, and showing his son Lonnie, and eventually his grandsons, how to mechanic on anything with a motor. When his kids were young, Sundays were for 3-wheelers and shooting cans on Old Sawmill Road, but only if they went to church with their mom first. And if they behaved, there was a stop at Polar King on their way home for an ice cream cone that he would let them dip in his coffee, or fries with gravy if they were really lucky.Known for his legendary meals, Louie’s love for Chinese cooking started with an unforgettable story. As a teenager in Evanston, Louie happened to walk past a Chinese restaurant late one night when the owner stepped outside and struck up a conversation. The owner made Louie an offer: if Louie would come by and play ping pong with him, he’d teach Louie how to cook. Louie took him up on the offer, and that started his lifelong love of Asian-inspired food. He built on those skills during his time in Okinawa while serving in the Marines and was lucky enough to learn from some of the best teachers in Kemmerer after returning home. Louie became famous for dishes like ham fried rice, Hawaiian ham, and lasagna. His cooking was always delicious, never measured, and definitely never written down. Louie cooked with instinct and heart, turning simple ingredients into unforgettable meals.In later years, Louie surprised everyone by embracing technology. He made weekly virtual Skype calls a ritual, where he would share his classic life advice and stay connected to his family. He had a mean emoji game when texting his granddaughters and developed an impressive knack for recommending shows on Netflix. Per his wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. His family is hosting a celebration of life gathering for anyone who wants to come and share stories over a cold beer and ham fried rice. Per his wishes there will also be ice cream for the kids! Date: May 25th , 2025/ Time: Noon to 4 PM/ Place: Diamondville Park in Diamondville, Wyoming

In Louie’s honor, take a drive on Old Sawmill Road, cook a meal to share with others, text someone a well-timed emoji, and shovel your neighbor’s walk, and remember per Lou's endless refrain, "seatbelts, speed limit!" Seems only right to end this the way he ended every Skype call: "Love you all, signing off."Louie is survived by his children: Amy Lane (Ian Lane), Lonnie Bartlett (Kristy Bartlett), and Jessi Bartlett; his grandchildren: Delaney, Kensey Lou, and Lilliwyn Lane, Waylon and Carter Bartlett, and Adele and Archer Summerall. He is also survived by his sisters, Georgetta Pollard (Corky) and Cissy Koritnik (Greg); his brothers, Kenny and Jerry; as well as many nieces and nephews who will always carry his memory with love. Louie was preceded in death by his mother, Marcelle Bartlett; his father, Kenneth Bartlett; and his brothers, Tommy and Gary Bartlett.

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