Dexter-Roger S. Brawn, 89 of Dexter, died peacefully of natural causes on July 22, 2026, at Hibbard Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Dover-Foxcroft. His wife, Judy, and daughter, Kim, were with him, holding his hands. Close family friends happened to arrive minutes later to comfort them and reminisce.

As soon as baby Roger came out of that storied oven (literally!) on Grove St. in Dexter, Maine on May 6, 1937, he never stopped. His parents, Hildon Maynard and Dorothy Marsh Brawn owned a family poultry farm on Maple St. The oldest of four brothers, this was where the “rugged Rog” archetype emerged, building muscles from lugging 100 lb. grain bags, carrying cases upon cases of eggs, and pouring concrete.

After a successful high school experience, excelling in both classes and sports, he sailed aboard the Maine Maritime Academy’s training ship, The State of Maine, as a steward, traveling to many ports of call, including Port-au-Prince. Home from the high seas, he enrolled at the University of Maine graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1961.

Roger soon met the love of his life, Judy Anderson, and they later had their only child, daughter Kim.

He pursued a career in education. His first teaching job was in Patten, followed by tenures at schools in Corinna, Newport, and Guilford. Next, he landed at Dexter Regional High School where he taught history as well as English for Adult Ed. He also coached track and field, wrestling, and football over many years. He retired from teaching in 1988 after 27 years and decided to try his hand at real estate. He and Judy later opened Brawn Real Estate. He was probably just as well-known for his decades-long role working at Toot’s Deli during its heyday when it was owned by his brother Greg. He didn’t really retire until almost 80, and then he took full advantage of Kim’s working at the Thompson Free Library to catch up on all the reading he missed over the years because he worked so many jobs. (Paul Doiron was a favorite!)

Roger was a major figure in local politics. For decades he served on the Dexter Town Council mostly as Chair. He was well-versed in local government, its policies, plans, and issues. He cared deeply about his hometown and its people. He served on many state committees too, including one that created the Mid-Maine Solid Waste Transfer Station. He took his role as a public servant seriously without taking himself seriously.

Roger was a strong and active man who loved being outdoors: hunting, haying (two bales in each hand), snowshoeing the family trail, exploring the backroads of Maine, climbing Katahdin multiple times, shoveling snow, chopping wood and hauling it with his ATV, and becoming an enthusiastic wildlife-and-bird watcher, and of course following the Patriots, Red Sox, and Celtics (and Cooper Flagg!). He helped build the family home and worked tirelessly and energetically with Judy on house projects. He loved spending time with his family and their animal companions (dog Kirk loved to ride with him in his truck) as well as their closest friends, Dick and Jo Hall and Jud and Dinny Wark. He would lend a hand to

students, neighbors, colleagues, and town residents whenever he could. He had a hearty appetite for and appreciation of Judy’s excellent cooking and an affable affinity for adult beverages. The parties and celebrations of the 70s-90s and beyond were filled with laughter, engaging conversations, and were always fodder for great stories.

Roger was diagnosed with vascular dementia at the end of 2020 and struggled with that progressive and debilitating disease until his death. Judy and Kim were his caregivers which allowed him stay at home until recently. He never forgot who they were even if he couldn’t always say their names. His sharp wit, firm grip, and curiosity never left him. Neither did his love of nature, especially his fondness for clouds and “blue sky”—a phrase he often repeated on car rides these last few years.

Roger is survived by: wife, Judy Brawn, and daughter Kim Brawn, of Dexter; brother Gregory Brawn and partner Jennifer Webber of Exeter; brother Malcolm and Alicia Brawn of Franconia, NH; nieces: Barbara Brawn of Annapolis, MD, Valerie Morrissette of Windham; Cate Fortier of Winchester, MA; nephew, Doug Brawn of North Palm Beach, FL, and grandnieces: Hannah and Elyce Wigham of Garland and Minerva Wigham of Bangor.

He is predeceased by his parents, Dorothy and Hildon; his youngest brother Jeffrey Dwight Brawn; and his uncle and aunt, Kenneth and Frances Marsh of Oak Bluffs, MA.

Judy and Kim would like to thank all the friends and family who supported them both through this long journey as well as the caring and compassionate nurses and staff at Hibbard’s. There will be a graveside service and celebration of life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dexter Historical Society P.O. Box 481 Dexter, ME 04930 or the Heart of Maine Resource Center P.O. Box 211 Dexter, ME 04930 or online at https://www.theheartofmaine.org/donate.