Elmo Orton Obituary (1917 - 2017)

Elmo Pendleton Orton passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at his home in Cedar City, Utah surrounded by loving family members. Dad was born October 25, 1917 in Parowan, Utah to Silas Taylor Orton and Mary Berzella Pendleton Orton. He was the second youngest of 7 children and had a deep love and respect for his parents and siblings. On December 2, 1941 Dad married his eternal sweetheart (of 72 years) Glenis Simkins Orton in the St. George Utah LDS Temple. They have three children, Elma Lee (Ward) Halterman, Francie (Alan) Pace, Dale Simkins (Netta) Orton. They have 12 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren. Dad was a veteran of WWII serving from 1942 to 1945. Shortly after their marriage, Dad began his military training at Camp Kohler, Calif. before embarking to New Guinea and the Philippines where he served in the US Army Signal Corp Supply Unit. Though he experienced many hardships and continued bouts of Malaria, he considered it to be an honor to have served his country. He was humbled to be a veteran and had a deep sense of reverence and gratitude for our country and for others who have sacrificed for the cause of freedom. One could see appreciation in his eyes whenever he saw an American Flag or an individual in military uniform. Upon returning from the Philippines, he commenced working for the State Road Commission and later secured employment at the US Postal Service in Cedar City where he worked for over 33 years until his retirement in March 1984. His employment at the Post Office offered the opportunity to associate and establish lifelong friendships with many people in the area. Dad spent his life actively engaged in church service. He served as a Stake Clerk for 24 years for three separate Stake Presidents in the Cedar City Utah Stake. Dad and Mom served a Mission for the LDS Church in Manchester England in 1985-86, and served several years as ordinance workers in the St. George LDS Temple. Music and yard work were a few of his passions. Dad played the saxophone in the “Rhythm Kings” dance band where all the young adults from Iron and Washington Counties flocked to dance to their music. He always maintained an immaculate yard, flower and vegetable garden, and he loved to share the harvest with everyone. In September 2014, Dad was honored to be named Grand Marshal of the Iron County Fair. He has given countless hours serving his community, family and neighbors. Over the years he found opportunities to serve neighbors in a myriad of ways such as shoveling their walks when the snow fell, helping with yard or repair work, or simply lifting those around him by providing a witty comment to bring a smile. Always one to champion those less fortunate, he willingly provided needed support. Dad was happiest when his service was done anonymously. He cherished the opportunity to serve the public and contribute to the community. Dad is preceded in death by his wife (Glenis Simkins Orton), 6 siblings, and a granddaughter (Jacque Halterman Ward). A special thanks to Maree Prince, Lynette Hansen, Dawn Jones, and others at Iron County Home Health Agency, and Dr. Garrett and staff who were so compassionate in caring for our Dad. Dad was very grateful to his wonderful neighbors, friends and members of the Cedar East Bench Ward who were so compassionate, loving and caring. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 1, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in the Cedar Stake Center (155 E 400 S, Cedar City, Utah). A viewing will be held Friday, June 30th at Southern Utah Mortuary (190 N 300 W, Cedar City, Utah) from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A viewing will be held Saturday, July 1st at the Cedar Stake Center from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Cedar City Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Online condolences can be made at www.sumortuary.com.