The following obituaries and death notices appeared in the April 22, 2026 edition of the Star Valley Independent.
For more resources including headstones, please visit the Star Valley Historical Society.
Dan Jenkins
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.
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The following obituaries and death notices appeared in the April 22, 2026 edition of the Star Valley Independent. For more resources including headstones, please visit the Star Valley Historical Society. Dan Jenkins Danny C. Jenkins (77) was born November 2, 1948, in... Read More
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