Drew Niel Stayner

Drew Niel Stayner, age 81, passed away quietly and peacefully at his home on April 17, surrounded by his loving family.

Drew was born on August 9, 1944, in Utah, and grew up in Farmington as a fifth-generation Stayner.

Drew loved growing up in Farmington—tromping through the streets causing mischief, catching frogs, shooting his BB gun, watching the Yankees, playing marbles, riding his horse, and teasing his three younger sisters alongside his older brother. He made many friends there who remained dear to him throughout his life. He attended Farmington Elementary, Central Davis Junior High, and graduated from Davis High School.

After high school, Drew honorably served his country. From 1966 to 2003, he spent six years in the Army National Guard before continuing his service in the Utah Air National Guard until his honorable discharge in 2003.

Drew attended BYU–Hawaii, where he lived in a house on the beach with his friend Wally Miller. They made many friends there during that time. He loved Hawaii and returned as often as he could—at least once or twice a year. He later graduated from Weber State University with a bachelor’s degree in social work.

Drew was reliable and hardworking, always holding a job—often more than one—from boyhood until just one week before his passing. As a young boy, he milked cows and had a paper route. As a teenager, he worked as a lifeguard, and ride operator at Lagoon. He also worked as a hod carrier for a brick company. He found great fulfillment working as a juvenile probation officer and later spent many years in vocational rehabilitation for the State of Utah as his career. Even after retirement, he continued working, serving as a Delta Center usher for over 15 years and working for the Benchland Water District for 20 years.

Drew had many hobbies and passions. He loved watching the Yankees in his recliner with a bowl of ice cream. He was especially proud of his 1967 blue Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu, which he purchased with cash. As a member of the Crimson Club, he faithfully attended Utah basketball and football games, rain or shine. He enjoyed fishing and golfing with friends of all ages. He loved collecting coupons and took even greater joy in using them. He treasured time spent at his cabin in Bear Lake, where he cared for his beloved pine tree. He also loved his Bayliner speedboat, which became a viral photo when it launched off its trailer onto the top of his Toyota truck.

On November 4, 1972, Drew married his best friend and the love of his life, Terry Lane Dana. They made their home in Farmington and welcomed three children: Kristin in 1976, Kimberly in 1979, and Michael in 1982. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. Drew and Terry shared many cherished vacations over their 54 years together, with family favorites including Bear Lake, St. George, California, and Yellowstone. After raising their children, they enjoyed traveling the world and exploring many countries together. Drew also loved traveling to various cities with his son to cheer on his Yankees.

Drew was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. He cherished each of these roles and had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel like a friend. He valued relationships deeply and seemed to run into friends wherever he went. It was not uncommon for his friends to be 20+ years younger or older than him. He had many dear friends throughout his life and loved them all.

Having graduated from this life, he is now reunited with his parents, H. Burns and June Stayner; his in-laws; and many family members and friends.

Drew is survived by his brother David (Susan) Stayner; Sue (Brian) Swinton; sister Shauna (John) Flint; and Sherrie (Russ, deceased) Bills.

He is also survived by his beloved wife and world, Terry Dana Stayner; his children Kristin (Jamon) Priest, Kimberly (Michael) Pilarczyk, and Michael (Jenifer) Stayner; his grandchildren Brynley (Trevor) Pappas, Brytin (Wade) French, Jaron (Lauren) Priest, Taizley (Stetson) Rich, Sawyer Stayner, Rockwell Stayner, Locksley Stayner, Scotlyn Stayner, and Paxton Pilarczyk; and his great-grandchildren Maelyn Pappas, Henzley Priest, Ellison French, Lakelynn Rich, and a baby girl on the way.

His family extends heartfelt thanks to the medical staff, their ward family, and friends for their love and support.

Funeral Services will be held on April 24, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 272 N. Main St, Farmington, Utah. A viewing will be held the evening prior from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary in Farmington (1941 N. Main St.), and again that morning from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. at the chapel. Interment will follow at the Farmington City Cemetery.

The ward will be streaming services live. Use the zoom link below:

https://www.zoom.us/j/91930776772?pwd=oKIXVrmEZf14sSwzYhy6pI0ULJTGEa.1