Dannel Scott Brown

Dannel Scott Brown, age 28 of Payson, Utah

Left us way too soon and unexpectedly!!

Dannel was born on Father’s Day June 15, 1997, to Scott Brown and Tracy (Bishop) Brown and big sis Jake. He later became big brother and the biggest advocate for little sis Mattie.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and we take great comfort in knowing he is now with our Savior at Peace. He loved Scouts: activities, projects, camp outs, service and most especially the comradery with both the boys and leaders. He admired many home-teaching companions, young men’s leaders, scout leaders, and other fellow priesthood holders throughout his growing up years and to this day.

He spent his growing up years in Santaquin. He attended Santaquin Elementary, Orchard Hills Elementary, Payson Jr High and graduated with Honors from Payson High Class of 2015.

Dannel spent his childhood on bikes, foot, scooters or motorcycles always going, going, going to the extreme. Even Grandma’s jazzy suited an occasional spin around the neighborhood. As soon as his chore list was complete, he was on the go and could be anywhere in the neighborhood with his friends until sundown or mom’s whistle.

Weekends were spent in the desert with the family riding and racing dirt bikes. His first race ended with his teeth so dirty because he couldn’t stop smiling through all the dust. He felt that way every race over the years from Pee Wee’s all the way to the 10-Car. As competitive as he was, he loved all the guys he raced with and they all became family. Racing was a huge part of who he was, and the desert was one of his favorite places.

Dannel excelled at many sports. He came into this world with natural talent and athleticism. Tee-ball, Soccer, Basketball and Football kept us all busy and going through the years. He settled into basketball and football, going full force and being very successful. There were many Friday night lights and gym bleacher dates for his parents and family. He had so many cheerleaders from the stands and so many people who adored him. He basked in the spotlight.

Dannel spent a year at Dixie State University learning much about life and occasionally attending class. There he worked at the Dixie Dining Services where he enjoyed wearing a tux and serving for fine dining events. Dannel loved getting all slicked up and looking spiffy. It was during this year at Dixie that he got acquainted with recruiters and decided to join the Army. He followed a long line of family members in Military Service, including both grandpa’s, great grandpa, uncles and cousins. Like everything he put his mind to he was very successful in the Army, ranking up to Sergeant quickly.

During the time he was at basic training he realized he could not live without the love of his life Taelor. Their story started in High School and was filled with stories of sneaking out his bedroom window to spend even more time together, even after he got caught! All that time spent together led them to eight years of marriage. Their marriage was filled with adventures, but began as newlyweds in Kansas where he was stationed at Fort Riley. Time in Kansas was filled with family, friends, new experiences, and countless road trips back and forth to Utah. And a deployment to Romania Bulgaria and Poland. After leaving Kansas Dannel and Tae moved back to Utah where they settled in and made it home.

Here in Utah Dannel got a job at FX construction, where he thrived alongside friends who became family. They supported him in becoming a leader, he excelled in planning, overseeing and completing jobs. He often talked about the peace he found building water tanks up in the mountains. He took a lot of pride in his work and the things he built.

In all phases of life, he made and kept new friends. The boys know who they are and know how much he valued each of them and the relationships they all had. From matching shirts on Wednesday, cheating their way through English class, making trouble in St. George, surviving the Army, and having kids at the same time! Each of his boys made an impact and he talked about them and their shenanigans often.

In December of 2021 Dannel and Tae welcomed the most amazing and adorable baby boy, Max. Dannel was so proud of him and was quick to jump in changing diapers, doing tub times, and even completing his first little haircut. He was the best dad from the start and even helped Tae find her way as the best mom.

When they realized how much fun it was to be parents they welcomed sweet and spicy little Mila June in 2024. He was absolutely smitten by her, and her arrival turned him into the ultimate protector. He was fully committed to being a girl-dad and cared about every detail! He spent time practicing doing her hair and would even carefully change her little earrings. Her first Christmas he bought her all new outfits and shoes, and spent the day dressing her in all her new clothes.

The kids were everything to him. They knew he could never say no to a happy meal or a bug juice. He loved taking them to the park and playing outside. He was so proud to see Max learn to ride his motorcycle and how much he improved in the first year of racing. Dannel looked forward to seeing how much Max would accomplish. He loved hearing all the new words Mila was learning and was always teaching her more (maybe even a few bad ones). His babies learned so much from him and were so lucky to have a dad who cared so much to teach them new and fun things all the time.

If you know Dannel you know that little smirk, his entertaining way, his dance moves….and his Butt!! Oh, how he loved his butt. It was a pretty good one. He was constantly spending time in the garage tinkering. He loved a good project and was always working on building a new truck or car. The gym was his safe place, and he made it pretty obvious that his physique was not only a priority but something to show off. His personality could fill a room, and it will be missed beyond measure. We will look for him while doing donuts in freshly snowed parking lots, drinking whiskey, eating cereal and PBJ’s, or anytime we hear an Enya song. We love ya Dan😊

Dannel leaves behind Taelor Brown and 2 babies Max B Brown and Mila June Brown.

Parents, Scott and Tracy Brown. Sisters, Jake (Dylan) Hampton and Mattie Brown.

Army brother Isaac (Maddi) Sader. Grandma Judy Bishop. Many aunts, uncles, cousins and more family and loved ones than one could ever count.

Dannel was preceded in death by his Grandpa Barry Bishop, Grandparents Clyde and Maretta Brown, Great Grandparents Gordon and Barbara Swan, Dan L (his name-sake) and Marjorie Bishop and George and Zella Penrod.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 28th at 11:00 am at the Santaquin Downtown Church, 90 South 200 East. Viewings will be held at the church Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 am prior to the services. Interment with military honors will be at the Santaquin City Cemetery.