Daniel Worrel Fox, lovingly known as “Danny, Big D, Dan, Thumper, and Rabbit,” passed away peacefully on November 23, 2024, at Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City, Montana, after a courageous battle with congestive heart failure. He was 79 years old.
Born on June 19, 1945, in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, Danny was the eldest of five children born to Laverne Margaret “Muggie” Yeager and Clifford Worrel Fox. From a young age, he embraced life with an adventurous spirit and a knack for making memories that would last a lifetime.
Danny’s childhood was shaped by frequent moves for his father’s construction work, but he made the most of every moment. A highlight was his time at Cement Ridge, where his father served as a fire lookout over the Black Hills—a place Danny often reminiced about. One of his fondest memories was Christmas Eve with his sister DeeAnn, when they spotted a light bouncing in the sky and were convinced it was Santa Claus. Their belief was confirmed when they heard scratching at the door, and Danny, ever the big brother, sent DeeAnn to check. She found a large white cat, which they were sure was Santa’s beard. This magical moment inspired Danny to create unforgettable Christmas traditions for his own family, from orchestrating sleigh sightings to dressing up as Santa himself for his children and grandchildren.
The family eventually settled in Miles City, Montana, where Danny attended Custer County High School. A standout on the football field, he also captured the heart of JoAnne Hardy, whom he married on August 15, 1964. Together, they shared 60 years of love, laughter, and devotion while raising four children: Darcee Lynn (Bobby), Nicklaus Worrel, Darla Lee (Brad), and Daniel Robert (Tracy).
Danny’s professional life revolved around ranching, where his hard work and ingenuity left a lasting mark. At the LO Ranch, he managed cattle and sheep, built pipelines, designed and built corrals, and built and installed a livestock scale, and even piloted the airplane he built himself to oversee operations. His sharp business mind was legendary, particularly in a deal involving the dispersion of the band of sheep. The buyer was trying to not purchase the cull ewes and wanted to leave them behind, Danny “put his foot down” and insisted the buyer had purchased all the sheep. Though the buyer left the cull ewes behind, he paid full price, allowing Danny to sell the ewes again for double their value. It was a perfect example of his determination, resourcefulness, and integrity.
In 1989, Danny and JoAnne moved to Kinsey, Montana, where they built a life rooted in love and community. Danny worked for Bob’s Pickup and Delivery, Quad K, and drove the Kinsey School bus until his retirement. Their home became the center of family gatherings, welcoming 12 grandchildren: Charlie (Jessica) Schott, Payton (Jamie) Williams, Cameron Farrell, Paige (Josh) Williams Zeeck, Jayda Fox, Mayse Fox, Graylee Fox, Jet Fox, Ari Fox, Leon Fox, Mack Fox, and River Fox, as well as four great-grandchildren. Danny took immense pride in his family and delighted in creating memories that his grandchildren will carry forward.
Danny was known for his quick wit, kind heart, and unwavering commitment to those he loved. He was a man of integrity and strength, always ready with a helping hand, a story to tell, or a heartfelt laugh.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Cliff and Muggie Fox, his in-laws, Bob and Mary Hardy, and many cherished friends. He is survived by his beloved wife, JoAnne; his brothers, Clay (Misty) and Don Fox; his sisters, DeeAnn (John) Schlepp and LaDonna (Bill) Eckhart; and a large and loving extended family.
Visitation and rosary will be held at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home on December 2, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow on December 3, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with graveside services afterward.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to the Kinsey Elementary School.
Danny lived a life full of love, strength, and unforgettable moments. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, who will forever cherish the joy, wisdom, and humor he brought to their lives. May he rest in peace.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m .
Monday December 2, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary & Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday December 2, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday December 3, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N Montana Ave
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rite of Committal
Following the Funeral Mass
Tuesday December 3, 2024
Calvary Cemetery
Cemetery Rd
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m .
Monday December 2, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary & Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday December 2, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday December 3, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N Montana Ave
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rite of Committal
Following the Funeral Mass
Tuesday December 3, 2024
Calvary Cemetery
Cemetery Rd
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Jim and Annalise Willson says
JoAnn and family sorry to hear about Dan. we always enjoyed a visit with Dan when we would see him. I enjoyed coaching “little Dan in A.A.U. wrestling and now your grand daughter is coaching my Granddaughter in wrestling. It has been many years since we worked together on the “LO Ranch”. Seems like just the other day, but I guess it has been a bit longer. REST IN PEACE DAN!!!
Jim & Annalise Willson
Mike and Tammy Pecha says
Joanne and family so sorry to see you lost Danny you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Diane Welbes says
Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Mike and Tammy Pecha says
JOANNE AND FAMILY SO SORRY YOU LOST DANNY.SUCH A WONDERFUL GUY.YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
Beth Petro says
I’m so sorry to hear about Dan. Prayers to all of you.
Cheryl R says
Joann and family, Sending you thoughts and prayers at this time of loss. May your hearts be filled with the love you shared and the memories that you made. Bless you all.
Mike Willson says
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Fox Family!! I am so sorry for your loss!!
Lorna Niles says
Auntie, I’m so sorry to see this about Dan… sending prayers for comfort, strength, healing, love n blessings for you n your children….
Lorna Niles says
Clay, Donnie n families….
So sorry to hear of your brother’s passing…
Prayers for you n yours….
Betty Holmes Vail says
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jackie Stroh says
So sorry for your Loss!
Lynne Weischedel says
JoAnne and family so sorry to hear about your loss!
Janet & Gerald Himelspach says
JoAnne and family, so sorry to hear you lost Dan. Our deepest sympathy to you. May God Bless you through this difficult time.
Carole Dighans says
Prayers and condolences to all the family! Prayers are with all of you.
Marvin and Lynne Brush says
Our deepest condolences, so sorry for your loss.
Jan Dinardi says
So very sorry for your lose. MY thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Xina says
I am so sorry
Dan had a sense of humor that, on certain days, was put in my life to make me smile
TY for that
Family, I love you all so much
BONNIE CURRAN says
JOANNE AND FAMILY SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. YOU ALL ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
Garth Sleight says
I am so very sorry to hear about Dan’s passing! A lot of great offspring came from Dan and Joann. My sincerest condolences and best wishes at this difficult time.
Tracy Barnes says
I sure enjoyed the years we worked together at Bob’s P&D. He was a good friend and great coworker.
Mike Niles says
Joann and family so sorry to hear of Dan’s passing.
David & Danette Olguin says
Joanne and family we are so sorry to hear about Dan’s passing and want you to know you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. God Bless
Janet B Klein says
Joanne and family…
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mollie Phipps says
He was the first but definitely not the last person to say to me “good golly miss mollie” while his eyes were twinkling and he was chewing his gum when we got on the bus in the morning! Rest in peace and all the hugs to those you left behind
Crystal Moore says
Fox family! Many prayers to you all during this difficult time. Keep those memories close to your heart and cherish them forever! My sincerest condolences! 💐
Sheila Hagemeister says
Joanne and family, so sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. May your memories help you through this time.
Denise Harvey says
Our prayers are with you! A wonderful legacy, he was loved, and he loved!
Scott and Maria Malloy says
Love you guys. Sorry for your loss. See you next week. Praying for you.
Brady Stone says
Fox family, so sorry for your loss.
Rita Wemmer says
So very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and condolences. 💐
Cindy Stanton says
Donna, Dee, and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. You’re in m thoughts and prayers for peace and comfort.
Mark Browning says
My sympathy to tha Dan Fox family. His classmates from CCHS 1964 will remember Dan with kind thoughts and a smile. Good memories!
Angelina Maes-Garcia says
My Dear Joanne and family so sorry to hear about Dan my thoughts and prayers to all the Fox family….😢🙏🌹
Donna Leitholt-Taylor says
So sorry for your loss
Brad Malloy says
Dan and family,
So sorry for your loss. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
All our love,
Brad Malloy and family
Nancy Ugrin Bond says
Thoughts and prayers to the Fox family-Dan was such a sweet guy I remember well when we were kids. So very sorry for your loss.
Jessie Leidholt says
Dear JoAnn and family, so sorry for your loss. Hoping your broken heart heals with all of your memories of a life lived well.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
JoAnne, Darcee, Nick, Darla, Dan and all the Fox & Hardy family,
I see that Danny passed away the same day as Rick and my heart goes out to you all. May all the memories you made be a comfort to you now.
My sincere sympathy to all of you.
Diana Edwards says
JoAnn and family. I am so sorry to hear of Danny’s passing, but also know that it’s a relief for him not to be in pain and suffering any more. I know he and Francis are up there “talking sheep”. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Diana Edwards
Don & Nina Bundy says
JoAnne and Family, So sorry for your loss. You all will be in our thoughts and Prayers. May the good Lord hold you in his arms in this time of sorrow.
Jim Russell says
So sorry to hear about Dan may God be with you
Don and Karen Yeager says
Joanne and family: so sorry to hear of your of loss of Danny, You have our deepest sympathies! He was a great guy! May he rest in peace!
Terri Nation says
Nick and Family-So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tom Patch says
Joann l just found about your loss.Your loss is all of us loss. Dan was one of my best friends. He will forever be missed and loved. So very very sorry Joann.
Larry and Pam Certain says
Dear JoAnn, DeAnn and families, sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. He was a wonderful guy and great to be around. He’ll be missed. Another of Miles City’s favorite son’s gone. Rest in peace, Dan.