Kenneth Dean Dailey

Our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Kenneth Dean Dailey, passed away peacefully at home on September 20, 2026.

He was born on March 27, 1938, in Los Angeles, CA to Elmer Amos and Ruth Wilson Stroud Dailey.

Ken was a hard worker and devoted his life to support his family. Ken started his first job at Brown Floral at the age of 12 and gave his checks to his mother to help support the family. Throughout his life, he often worked multiple jobs to ensure that his family was well cared for.

He graduated from West High School and served in the U.S. Army.

Ken married Betty Anne Brown, his childhood sweetheart, in the Salt Lake Temple on September 25, 1959. They were married for 53 years and raised their family in a loving home. They always enjoyed summer vacations together and made many happy memories as a family. Betty passed away on September 3, 2012.

Ken married Darlene Merrihew on February 14, 2014. She passed away August 2, 2020.

Ken worked for the Salt Lake City Fire Department for 26 years. He thoroughly enjoyed his time as a firefighter because it provided countless opportunities to serve and help others. After being promoted to arson investigator, he became the first person in Salt Lake City to be certified as both a firefighter and police officer. Many who worked with him regarded him as a mentor. Ken retired in 1988 with the rank of Captain.

After retiring from the fire department, Ken went to work for the Firefighters Credit Union, where he worked for many years. He enjoyed making new friends while continuing his friendships with many of his former colleagues from the fire department. After retiring from the credit union, he continued to serve on its board of directors until his health prevented him from doing so.

Ken was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a great desire to learn of and follow Jesus Christ. Ken served in many callings in the Church. He served in bishoprics, on the high council, and as an elders quorum president. His favorite callings involved working with the young men in the Scouting program. He especially enjoyed teaching them practical skills and working alongside them. Together, he and the young men built more than 50 kayaks in Ken and Betty’s basement.

Throughout his life, Ken faced many hardships, particularly during the last two years as he experienced significant health challenges. Those challenges also gave his family opportunities to serve him. Through those experiences, Ken and his family learned that in life, we are blessed not only by the service we give to others, but also by allowing others to serve us.

Ken is survived by his children Linda (Brian) Horrocks, Kenneth (Carolyn) Dailey, and Keith (Lisa) Dailey. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wives, his beloved brother Gerald, and his cherished poodles, Princess and Prince.

The family would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Valeo Hospice (especially Alex, Marie, Kelly, Camille, and Brian) for providing our father with such loving and compassionate care. We would also give special thanks to his wonderful neighbors, friends, and ward members who have supported Ken through the years, including Abby Salisbury, Rex Hicks, Shane Whiting, and Jim Larsen. We also express appreciation to Cannon Mortuary for their kindness and support.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 28 at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Fox Pointe Ward Chapel located at 1465 W. Bristol Ridge Road, West Jordan, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the services from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.