Daniel Brown

Daniel Clyde Brown, 70, of Perryville, Missouri passed away Saturday, February 1, 2025 at his residence. He was born October 11, 1954 in Cape Girardeau, MO to Clyde Anthony and Irma Ann (Balsman) Brown. Daniel and Crystal A. Bohnert were married February 21, 1998 in Las Vegas, NV. She survives him in Perryville. He served in the United States Air Force from 1973-1993. He was involved in Operation Desert Storm. From a young age Dan was one of the hardest workers around. He worked hard in the Boy Scouts of America Troop 251 to learn valuable skills and was certified as an Eagle Scout in 1971. Before he graduated from Perryville High School in 1973, he held several jobs at once, including driving a school bus, being a butcher, and working at the local cheese factory. Soon after graduating from High School, Dan joined the United States Air Force where he spent 20 years before retiring in 1993. During his time in the military, he traveled to many different countries. Some of his favorite places that he visited were Italy and the pyramids in Egypt. Transportation and driving were big parts of his life. When he was stationed in California, he was a Commercial Driving Trainer for military staff and civilians and by the end of his military career, he became a Technical Sergeant. After his time in the military, he moved back to his hometown of Perryville, MO where he met and married the love of his life, Crystal. With his wife they started their own trucking company together and raised two daughters, Megan and Miranda, who were his world. In 2008 he started driving for Heartland Express where he worked for 15 years before retiring in 2023. At Heartland Express, he earned the title of "Driver of the Month" at least ten times, but some of his biggest honors were being named "Driver of the Year" in 2009 and being named a "Safe Drive for One Million Miles." When Dan wasn't on the road and after he retired, he enjoyed doing handy work around the house, woodworking, grilling, camping, and spending time with his family. He also enjoyed watching football, detective series, Wheel of Fortune, Christmas movies, and Western shows on the TV. Dan always strived to make people laugh and was often found acting silly and telling jokes. He was a very caring father and husband. Dan was a Catholic and belonged to the St. Vincent de Paul Church in Perryville. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #133. Survivors include his mother; wife; three daughters, Megan A. Brown, Miranda N. (Fiance Tyler Pohlmann) Massey, Elizabeth (Wes) Penrose; son, Christopher (Victoria) Penrose; brother, Tim (Kate) Brown; two sisters, Debbie (Tom) Parres, Becky (Mike) Winkler; six grandchildren; ten nieces and four nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Clyde Brown; brother, Kent Brown; father-in-law, Eldon B. Bohnert, Sr.; brother-in-law, Eldon B. Bohnert, Jr.; nephew, Dylan Bohnert. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at Ford & Young Funeral Home in Perryville and will continue from 8:00 am to 10:00 am on Friday, February 7, 2025 at the funeral home. Funeral Service will be at 10:00 am Friday, February 7, 2025 at Ford & Young Funeral Home with Deacon Direk Hunt officiating. Military Honors will be provided by American Legion Post #133 and the Air Force Honors Team. Memorial contributions may be given to Mercy Hospice. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandyoungfuneralhome.com. Ford & Young Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Daniel Brown

October 11, 1954 - February 1, 2025