Brent Neal Staley

Brent Neal Staley, 75, of Coalville, Utah, passed away peacefully at his home on October 6, 2026.

Brent was born on July 13, 1951, in Coalville, Utah, to Gilbert Neal and Lola Staley. He was the oldest of five children and grew up with a deep love for family, hard work, and the mountains and ranching life that would remain such an important part of him throughout his life.

Brent graduated from North Summit High School and married the love of his life, Linda Braithwaite, on February 16, 1974. Together, they built a life centered around family, faith, hard work, and the things they loved most. They were blessed with three children: Darrell (Heather) Staley, Laura (Michael) Marsh, and Dee (Shyrell) Staley.

Brent was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a cherished grandpa to Madi (Flynn) Estes, Carter, Taylor, and Aliza Staley; Justin (Romney) and Garrett (Kaitlyn) Marsh; and Colby (Lexi), Chris, and Makenzie Staley. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Finnley, son of Colby. His grandchildren and great-grandchild brought him tremendous joy, and many of his happiest memories were made with his family by his side. After high school, Brent began working for Cream O’

Weber Dairy, delivering milk. He later went to work at the dairy plant in Murray, where he held a variety of positions before eventually becoming Plant Manager. Brent took great pride in his work and was known for his dedication and strong work ethic.

From a very young age, Brent developed a love for sheep and horses while helping his dad. That love continued throughout his life. He eventually owned his own herd of sheep and ran them with Metta Richins and his uncle and cousin, Ray and Kenny Staley. Brent loved every part of working with sheep—from shearing and lambing to sorting and simply taking care of them. It was work he truly enjoyed.

You could often find Brent on horseback, riding his favorite horse through the mountains, gathering sheep and cattle, or simply enjoying the outdoors. The mountains were one of his favorite places to be. He loved camping and, most of all, sharing those experiences with his family.

Every year, Brent and Linda would pack up the family and horses for a week of adventure. When the children were younger, they would set up a base camp and ride the horses to different rivers and lakes. As the kids grew older, those adventures became pack trips together as a family. Brent taught all of his children to fish and gave them a love for the outdoors that will live on in them and in the generations that follow.

Brent and Linda were also deeply involved in the Summit County Fair. Together, they took on the Little Buckaroo Rodeo, and with the help of many friends and members of the community, they put on a two-night children’s rodeo for the kids of Summit County. Brent loved seeing children have the opportunity to experience the same western traditions and outdoor life that meant so much to him.

Brent leaves behind a legacy of hard work, love of family, and a life lived close to the land and the traditions he cherished. His family will remember him not only for the things he did, but for the time he gave them, the lessons he taught them, and the many memories they made together.

Brent is survived by his children, Darrell (Heather) Staley, Laura (Michael) Marsh, and Dee (Shyrell) Staley; his grandchildren, Madi, Carter, Taylor, Aliza, Justin, Garrett, Colby, Chris, and Makenzie; and his siblings, Julie Ekness, LaRita Jacobsen, and Alan Staley.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 50 years, Linda; his parents, Neal and Lola Staley; and his sister, LaNeal Staley Burke and a Brother-In-Law Bill Jacobson and Niece Jennafer Jacobson.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff of Quality Hospice, especially Stephanie Morris, and Elsie Ercanbrack for the compassionate care and support they provided to Brent and his family during the final days of his life.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Hoytsville LDS Church, 1095 S. Hoytsville Road, Hoytsville, Utah.

A viewing will be held Friday, October 9, from 6:00–8:00 p.m., and again on Saturday from 9:45–10:45 a.m. prior to the funeral service.

Brent will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. His love for his family, his horses and sheep, and the mountains he cherished will remain a lasting part of his legacy.