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Daniel Richard Burgess, 77, passed away on December 4, 2025, in Billings, Montana. Born on November 26, 1948, in Jordan, Montana. Born to the land, Daniel devoted his life to the family ranch, finding his purpose in the land and the livestock.”
Daniel’s early education began at Burgess School located in the same yard as his childhood home. This is where he attended first through seventh grade. He completed eighth grade at Garfield County Elementary School and graduated from Garfield County High School in 1966. Daniel joined the United States Navy in December 1967 and was honorably discharged April 27,1972. This was an experience that remained a proud part of his identity. He remained very close to several of his Navy brothers including Frank Tirico, Frank Coughlin, and Gary Beack. He pursued further education at Miles Community College. There, he earned an associate’s degree in automotive mechanics in 1976.
A man of many passions and enduring energy, Daniel found joy in both the simple and extraordinary moments of life. His love for music brought him to jam sessions with friends, where he shared laughter and melodies.
A lifelong learner with a curious spirit, Daniel enjoyed digging dinosaur bones and had a keen eye for spotting arrowheads. He was even able to take a memorable trip with Dominic to Arizona to witness the unveiling of the baby T. rex at a gem and mineral show.
Daniel’s days were often filled with ranch life: checking cows daily—even if they weren’t his—and cruising around the ranch in his ranger. He took immense pride in the pipeline project and was especially proud of his children’s accomplishments: Dominic’s dedication to running the ranch and Denyse’s achievements in her nursing career brought him great joy.
Family was at the heart of everything Daniel did. He cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren—Tyler, Claire, Caleb, Aly, and Nick—whether spending time ice fishing, sharing his knowledge with his children and grandchildren on the medical needs and care of the ranches livestock, attending their events or watching videos of their activities when he couldn’t be there in person. His love for them was boundless and ever-present.
He is lovingly remembered by his daughter Denyse and her husband Scott; his son Dominic and his wife Amy; grandchildren Tyler, Claire, Caleb, Aly, and Nick; sisters Catherine (John) and JoAnn (Bob); and brother Robert. He was preceded in death by his father Richard, mother Marie, and brother Jack.
Daniel remained close with his Navy brothers throughout the years and treasured visits with Dunc. Whether sipping hot tea with honey while watching a rodeo or simply enjoying time with loved ones, Daniel embodied kindness, loyalty, and warmth. He stayed true to both his cowboy roots and Navy heritage—a man who would do anything for those he cared about.
May Daniel’s memory bring comfort to all who knew him and continue to inspire those whose lives he touched.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the VFW Hall in Jordan, MT with full military honors following the service. Should friends desire condolences can be made to the family by visiting stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday December 18, 2025
VFW Hall
Main Street
Jordan, MT 5937
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday December 18, 2025
VFW Hall
Main Street
Jordan, MT 5937
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Howard Shawver Family says
Daniel
I will miss visiting with you. Another dang good man gone. There were none better made and damn few as good.
Cindy Stanton says
Daniel, you will be missed by so many but have been met by some really great people at the gates. Say hello to your folks and Jackie for me.
Rod Coulter says
he was a good guy enjoyed being in the honor guard with him
Jenny Frady says
we are so sorry about the lost of your Father . May God comfort him in Heaven , may his soul rest in peace!
James Arneson says
To Dan’s family, I am sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. I have missed seeing him and visiting from time to time. May God comfort you with the best of memories now and always.
Rita Wemmer says
I cry as I think of the many times you have been a part of our family Daniel, or as we called you DB. Always a friend and wonderful musician. Loved every time I got to see and visit with you. Which wasn’t ever enough. You are with so many of your Musician friends, I just know that the Lord is enjoying the music!!
God be with your family that is left behind knowing you are in no pain ever again. My heart and prayers go out to each and everyone of your family ❤️❤️🙏🙏
Linda Estes says
Daniel’s family. So hard to lose a father, a brother and the friend Daniel was to so many. Live with the good memories and knowing his pain is over.
Jo Ryan and Jerry Twitchell says
So sorry of the loss of Dan. We saw him in Billings and were praying God took him soon. Jerry and Dan were in the same class all their school years. They came up to see Jerry and remembered all their school stories. It was a great day for him.
Dan had lots of friends and a great family. My condolences to all of you.
Tim &Cheri Hafla says
To all of DB’s Family,
Our deepest condolences, we really enjoyed visiting with him whenever we saw him, he was such a great guy. May God wrap his arms around each of you and help you through this difficult time. Remember all the good times.
MARTHA Crandall says
My sympathy
Al & Cindy Kelm says
We are so sorry to all of Daniel’s family. He was such a great man, who loved his family. Like Jan said there will be an empty chair at our holiday dinners! He will be missed. Hugs and prayers go out to all of you ❤️🙏
Our sympathy,
Allen & Cindy Kelm
Richard Galla says
Sorry for your loss
Marjorie Frady-Glennan says
To Daniel’s children and his family. Daniel was my cousin and when my family visited Grandma and Grandpa Burgess we also spent time with Daniel’s parents and the cousins. Those are special memories. My heartfelt condolences to Robert,
Cathy and JoAnn and all those who loved him.
Marjorie
Janie Kibler Owens says
Daniel was a good friend since our childhood and it was always such a pleasure to see him at reunions. He was a really nice guy and the world was a better place for him being here. My heart goes out to his family.
Callie Dasinger says
Thinking of you all and sending our love as you mourn the loss of your dad.
Seray says
Dear family. We are praying for him and for you.
Francine et Patrice
Joe Whalen says
Dan was my favorite of the “black hats” who dropped down regularly from Jordan to spend a chunk of their pay in the Montana on Saturday nights. Via con dios, amigo.
Darryl and Sonja Turner says
Burgess families,
Daniel is a huge loss to our community. He was always ready to visit and have a good time. We will all miss him.
Roy Milroy says
I was so saddened to hear of Daniel’s passing.It seems like only yesterday he shook my hand when leaving Judds birthday party .he was a lifelong friend and you don’t get many of them. Gods blessings to all the Burgess families
Mindy Phipps says
So sorry for the loss of your Dad, Denyse, Dominic and family.
I will remember Daniel from my whole childhood. He seemed to always be around when my Dad and others Jammed at the bars. Will miss your Dad. You’re in my Thoughts and Prayers in this difficult time. Mindy Phipps
Roy Milroy says
I was so saddened to hear of Daniel’s passing.it seems like only yesterday he shook my hand when we left Judds 80th birthday party at Stubbys. He was a lifelong friend and you don’t get to many of those. Gods blessings to all the Burgess families
Marion Peeler says
I’m so very sorry for your loss
Bill/Madonna Ryan says
We enjoyed visiting with Daniel on the ranch/farm or in town at the Ranchers bar and the Hell creek bar, he was a very good person and we will miss him
KAY BEECHER says
It was so good to see you at the reunion last summer. Rest in peace Woody Creek Dan.
Sally Ness says
Daniel you will be missed so much by so many. What a great friend you have been to me. Prayers to all the family in this time.Rest in peace my friend. Love you always
Tom Davis says
Always enjoyed visiting from my first time at 14 meeting cousins for the first time to later years spending time at the ranch and discussing the Burgess genealogy with Daniel and family – going to miss those visits – rest well cousin its been a good ride 😎
Jackie Boysun says
So sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. He was a good guy. Pray you find peace in your memories.
Sarah Bailey says
Sterling and the rest of the Bailey family send our heartfelt love and condolences. Daniel was always a joy to be around and we enjoyed Daniel telling us about his history on the ranch and at the Burgess school. Our love to you all, we wish we could be there in person.
Janice (Wallace) Butler says
So sorry for Uncle Daniel’s passing, but so glad that he is at rest and not struggling anymore. Praying for the whole family for peace and healing.
Carol Burgess says
We are sorry to learn of the recent passing of Daniel. He lived a long life and helped many people in many situations.
Very Sincerely,
Philip and Carol Burgess
Oceanside, CA
Frank Coughlin says
Daniel , you will be greatly missed. From the time we met on the flight deck of the USS JOHN F KENNEDY CVA67 we were Brothers. You were always the one we could count on no matter what . I will always remember our launching jets off the flight deck around the clock , our liberty calls , our trips to Cape Cod with Gary, Frank T and myself after our discharge from Navy right up to the decommissioning party for the Kennedy in Boston. Rest in Peace my Brother..Until Valhalla
Lena & Bill Anderson says
We are sure going to miss Daniel. He was one of a kind. He was always a joy to be around, especially when he came to the Rodeo here in Great Falls and always came to the house for lunch and a great visit. We will miss him a lot. Our condolences to his family and sisters Cathy and JoAnn, and brother Robert. May you rest in peace Daniel. GOD BLESS!
Louise de Montigny says
My condolences to Dan’s family and community. He was a lovely man, a kind and lively spirit. Dan had in-site, interests, abilities and experiences that made him a truly special person and friend. With kind regards…