Danny Ray Barney, 72, passed away from the effects of Parkinson’s disease on August 30, 2022. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded in love by his wife and five children at the family home in American Fork, Utah.

See 2 photos

Danny was born in Provo, Utah, to Dale Ray and Ila Mae Barney on January 25, 1950. Danny loved growing up in Spanish Fork; he graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1968. His dad taught him the importance of hard work and service. While in high school, Danny participated in sports and student government. He made lifelong friends in high school that enriched his life with fun and crazy antics. His pride in being a Spanish Fork Don never faltered.

Football scholarships enabled Danny to attend and graduate from both Snow College and Southern Utah State College (now Southern Utah University) where he served as co-captain of both football teams. One of his coaches said, “Dan is one of those who thrives on competition and against big odds.”

While at Southern Utah, Danny met and married his sweetheart, Sandra Thalman. They were married on August 14, 1971, in the Manti Temple. Danny and Sandy enjoyed 51 years of marriage and raised five children. The Barneys were blessed to live in a neighborhood surrounded by friends that have offered an extraordinary amount of love and support.

Upon graduating with a degree in elementary education, Danny began working as a teacher in Jordan School District. He later earned a master’s degree from Brigham Young University and a school administrative endorsement from the University of Utah. He served as principal of Sandy, Crescent, Park Lane, and Mountain Shadows elementary schools. As an educator, Mr. Barney was a trusted mentor to teachers and a friend to students who loved him. The effects of Parkinson’s disease caused Danny to retire early after 38 years of service in Jordan School District.

During his summers off, Danny worked with his dad doing excavation and construction with heavy machinery. Danny and his family were able to construct a cabin in Fairview Canyon where the family enjoyed the outdoors for many years. Danny was able to make improvements to the cabin to make it enjoyable for the extended family.

Early retirement allowed him to focus on his many hobbies, talents, and interests. Danny enjoyed duck hunting on Utah Lake, spending time at the cabin, and woodworking. He was able to create artistic and useful items for the yard, furniture, and decorative pieces for his home and the homes of his children. Spending time with family and grandchildren was a bright spot in Danny’s life. He especially enjoyed time with his 10 grandchildren. He played with, teased, and supported them in their sports, dance, and music activities.

Danny spent countless hours working in the yard. He was meticulous about many things but taking care of the yard was the epitome of his perfectionism. He spent hours working in the yard: mowing the lawn, trimming the trees and bushes, and digging in the dirt planting beautiful flowers.

Danny’s life was filled with hard work and service. He served in the Utah National Guard where he earned awards for physical fitness and marksmanship. He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Danny was an honest, hard-working man who believed in justice and had a strong sense of right and wrong. His work ethic would not allow him to slow down, no matter the obstacles. Danny never showed weakness or slowed down until Parkinson’s disease forced him to. He will be missed every day of our lives.

He is survived by his wife Sandra, his five children: Melanie Barney, Dana (Aaron) Baker, Katie Kolowich, Rachel (TJ) Trane, Jeffery Barney; his grandchildren: Christian, Chandler, and Cassie Baker; Abe, Leo, and Maggie Kolowich; Koy, Bodey, and Milo Trane; Avery Barney; his siblings: Rodney Barney, Blake Barney, DeeAnn (Mark) Binks, Kimberli (Brett) Neff, and his long-awaited dog Bernie.

He was preceded in death by his parents Dale and Ila Mae Barney, his sister Diane Barney, and his sister-in-law Roxann Barney.

The family offers a heartfelt thank you to Applegate HomeCare and Hospice for their kindness to our family. We appreciate their diligent and nurturing care during a very difficult time. A special thanks to his hospice team, who became friends as well as health care workers: Azalea, Lorrie, Doug, Jewels, Jeramie, and Julie.

A public viewing will be held Monday, September 5 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Anderson and Sons Mortuary, 49 East 100 North, American Fork, Utah. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 6 at 11:00 a.m. at the American Fork Hillcrest Stake Center, 165 North 350 West, American Fork, Utah. Prior to the service there will be a viewing from 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the Stake Center. Interment will take place at American Fork Cemetery.