Danny C. Jenkins (77) was born November 2, 1948, in Afton, Wyoming, to Lyle Reid

Jenkins and Alberta Yvonne Chapman. He passed away peacefully on April 17, 2026, at

his home in Bedford, Wyoming.

Dan was the oldest of twelve children—ten boys and two girls—and grew up in a busy,

hardworking home. His family lived in Farmington, Park City, Salt Lake City, and

Freedom, where he learned the value of responsibility early in life. He milked cows,

chopped wood, and helped with daily chores. From a young age, he was fascinated by

how things worked, often taking apart radios and TVs and later teaching himself to

repair engines, machinery, and computers. He loved tractors and was driving his Uncle

Dean’s as early as first grade.

He graduated from Star Valley High School in 1967 and also completed four years of

seminary. Though he briefly attended college with plans to pursue electronics, family

illness and personal injuries prevented him from finishing a formal degree. Even so, he

became highly skilled in mechanics, electronics, woodworking, welding, and computer

repair—talents he used throughout his life to serve others.

Dan met Kathleen Curtis in the University 18th Ward in Salt Lake City. They were

sealed in the Manti LDS Temple on March 18, 1972, and began building a life centered

on faith and family. After the birth of their first daughter, they moved to Star Valley, living

in Freedom until 1977 before settling in Bedford.

Together, Dan and Kathy raised eight children—six daughters and two sons—who were

the center of his life. He loved being a father and took pride in his family above all else.

He shared his skills and interests with his children and found great joy in time spent

together. Whether working on projects, attending car shows, or simply being together,

his greatest happiness came from his family. His love has extended to 22 grandchildren

and two great-grandchildren, who carry on his legacy.

Dan had a lifelong passion for cars, especially muscle cars, and was well known for his

1971 Mercury Cougar, affectionately called “The Brown Bomb.” He also loved the

outdoors and cherished time spent in the canyon with family.

Throughout his life, Dan worked in a variety of fields including woodworking, tractor

repair, auto parts, asphalt, and firearms. He spent 18 years at Freedom Arms

maintaining machinery and computers. Even after his health declined due to cancer

treatments, he continued working in his own repair shop whenever he could.

Dan gave generously to his community. He served with the Thayne Fire Department for

10 years, including five as Chief, and as an EMT with Star Valley EMS for 17 years. He

also trained with FEMA’s Emergency Alert System and earned his ham radio license.

A man of deep faith, Dan served as a ward clerk for nearly a decade and, alongside

Kathy, as a temple worker in the Idaho Falls Temple for five years. He had a strong

testimony of the restored gospel and loved the scriptures.

Dan never met a stranger. With his wide range of interests and genuine kindness, he

connected easily with others and showed sincere care for their lives and well-being. His

bear hugs brought comfort, acceptance and safety.

In later years, as his health declined, Dan found meaningful ways to stay connected

with those he loved through phone calls, visits, and small projects. His devotion to his

family never wavered.

Dan is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kathy; his children: Dana Rae Bennett (Mark),

Diane Brazfield, Suzy Roundy (Adam), Stephanie Higbee (Daniel), Melissa Haslam

(Jeremy), Danny Jenkins (Heidi), Karen Wallis (Chris), and Charles Jenkins (Kayla); 22

grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and nine siblings. He was preceded in death by

his parents, Lyle and Yvonne Jenkins, and his brothers Brent and Jimmy Jenkins.

A viewing will be held Friday, April 24, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Schwab Funeral

Chapel in Thayne, Wyoming. A second viewing will take place Saturday, April 25, from

10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the Bedford Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day

Saints, followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. He will be laid to rest in the Freedom,

Wyoming cemetery.

The Jenkins family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the community for the years of love,

support, and care shown to Dan and Kathy.