Danny (Dan) Ray Brown

Danny (Dan) Ray Brown, 69, of Angel Fire, NM, passed away on May 4, 2026 after a brief battle with cancer, leaving behind his loving wife of 46 years, Jill Burton Brown. He is also survived by his three children, Chelsea & Dr. Johannes de Riese, Todd Brown and Stephanie Billingsley, and Abby Brown, along with his beloved grandchildren Heidi, Karsten and Axel de Riese, Zaidyn Brown, and CJ Billingsley. Surviving siblings are Frances Brown Zion and Robert Brown.

Dan Brown was born in Perryton, TX, spent his youth in Guymon, OK, and his high school years in Muleshoe, TX, where he created friendships to last a lifetime. As a testament to his grit and determination, after high school Dan showed up at West Texas State University with sixty-eight cents in his pocket and somehow managed to put himself through college, acquiring a Bachelor’s Degree in Geology. He worked for many years in the oilfield industry, eventually moving into government contracts, which took him to Afghanistan and Iraq during the war. He ended his career at Los Alamos National Science Lab.

Dan lived life to the fullest and found happiness in life’s everyday moments – spending time in the mountains, riding his Harley, traveling, listening to classic rock (and dancing at every opportunity), reading, visiting most of the NFL stadiums with his son and daughter, restoring furniture and, most especially, fishing.

He was a true and loyal friend who had a gift for making others feel at ease. His compassion for others, his zest for life and his ability to find the humor in almost any situation made him easy to love. He leaves behind a legacy defined by quiet strength and an unwavering dedication to the people he loved. While it may have been cut short, it was a life well lived. He showed us all how it should be done. And, though he may no longer be physically present, his spirit endures in the lives he touched and the countless memories he leaves behind. There will be a Celebration of Life in Angel Fire, NM, on October 10, 2026 at a location to be announced later. If you plan to come, we would suggest you make lodging reservations early as this is a busy weekend in Angel Fire