Daniel "Dan" James Haley

Obituary

Daniel James Haley

March 5, 1955- May 10, 2026

Daniel "Dan" James Haley passed away unexpectedly at his home on May 10, 2026. Dan was a true Worland, Wyoming man, being born, raised, attending school, working, and ultimately passing away in the hometown he loved.

He was born to Edward Lee Haley and Mary Kathleen (Warner) Haley on March 5, 1955. He was a brother to two sisters that he shared a great childhood with, KayLee and Pam. Dan graduated from Worland High School in 1974. After high school, he went on to further his education at the University of Wyoming, rooming with his lifelong friend, Davy Measles. Deciding the traditional college route wasn't his path, Dan moved to Daytona, Florida where he got a technical degree in Motorcycle mechanics at AMI, then went to a school for appliance repair.

Dan was a hard worker and excelled at a variety of jobs in and around Worland, such as his time working with the railroad, an appliance repairman at Howards Appliance Store, he worked at IGA food store, and at Ace Hardware; however, most of his working career was the Worland Airport in operations. retiring in September 2021 after 15 years.

In 1986 Dan pursued a love interest with his longtime friend, Karen Pennington. She became his life partner and the love of his life until her passing in 1988. Karen brought into Dan's life, her daughter, Mandy Pennington-Whitt, with whom Dan formed a special bond. Later in life he met Karen Pounds. The two were married and later divorced. Although the marriage didn't last, Dan gained a lifelong niece, whom he was especially close to, Terre Thiel.

Dan had a bigger than life personality. He was very kind-hearted and generous to a fault at times. He could walk into a room, strike up a conversation with anyone, and leave having made a new friend. Dan had an easy smile and welcoming nature that made people feel instantly comfortable around him.

Dan also had a deep love for music. He loved playing his guitar and rarely passed up a chance to perform whether that be at the local farmer's market, Nowoodstock, or just among friends. A great accomplishment was when he won the Wyoming 2014 Blues Challenge that sent him to Memphis, Tennessee. He also loved to get out and ride his bike, hang out with good friends, or play with his beloved dogs. If Dan wanted to give himself a particularly nice time you'd find him in Billings, Montana, enjoying a great meal at Cajun Phatty's!

Dan appreciated the simple pleasures of life, conversation, laughter, and time spent with the people he cared most about. He will be fondly remembered for his wisdom and intelligence, his remarkable memory and ability to recall stories, details and moments that mattered. He was young at heart, adventurous, and just a really good old Worland boy that will definitely be missed.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, KaLee Haley and Pam Miller; his brother-in-law, Arthur Miller; the love of his life, his beloved Karen Pennington; and his loving, faithful dogs, Django, Mephis, and Hozer.

Dan is survived by his nephew, Brent (Kricket) Smothermon of Fort Collins, CO; his nieces, Haley Seilbach (Troy) of Rock Springs, WY, and Terre (Robb) Thiel of Worland, WY; two great-nieces and five great-nephews; his loyal canine companion True, and by dear friends Davy and Lesa Measles, Terry and Heather Shryack, Don Stuart, Robb Thiel, Ed Biggs, Peggy Chapin, Lynn Murdoch and countless others who made his life rich and full. May a little bit of Dan live on in us all.

A celebration of life will be held 11:00 AM Thursday May 21, 2026 at the Worland Community Center Complex. Memorial donations may be made to New Hope Humane Society. Please send checks to PO Box 524 Worland, Wyoming 82401. Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.