Ken James Orton

Kenneth James Orton passed away on Dec. 16, 2016 at Safe Haven Care Center due to complications of Alzheimers disease. He was born May 4, 1934 in Pocatello, Idaho to Kenneth Charles Orton and Ida Luker Orton Beebe. He graduated from Pocatello High School in 1953 and went on to graduate from Wheel Vehicle Mechanics School at Fort Ord, CA while in the Army. He served as Intern Rep for Teachers Corps Project at ISU from 1972-74, then interned at Fort Hall elementary school. He received his BA degree in 1974, majoring in elementary education. Ken supported himself and family while attending ISU, working many jobs, as well as building our home. He was a warehouseman, truck driver, mechanic, repairman, office manager, Cowboy Oil bookkeeper/accountant, FMC tapper-helper, Ins. Co. agent, owned a water softener, ceramic and a first aide business, and self- managed a service station. He also taught school in the Blackfoot School District for 28 years until his retirement in 1998. After dating since 1952, Ken and Sandra Lemmon married Feb. 10, 1961 in the LDS 7th Ward (Yellowstone & N. Hiway 91). They were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple May 29, 1966. Ken was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served as missionary in the North Pocatello Stake from 1952-54, and West Central States Mission, Billings, Montana from 1954-56, as well as a D.I. mission in Pocatello, Idaho until his heart attack. He was a Scout Master for many years and held many positions in the LDS church. He loved pitching church softball, golfing, playing basketball, football, volleyball and bowling. He also loved hunting, fishing, skiing, reading, backpacking and hiking. Ken is survived by his wife, Sandra Lemmon Orton; children, Cheryl Jean Orton, Lincoln, NE, Kent (Tammy) Orton, Meridian, ID, Paul Orton, Jonesville, LA, Robert Orton, Pocatello, ID, adopted granddaughter, Jennifer Orton; brothers, Norman (Barbara) Reisner and Conley (Sherry) Beebe; sister, Colleen Kay Beebe Bell; 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Frank Beebe; sister, Florine Fuller Essick; brother, Charles; in-laws, Gene and Shirley Lemmon; stillborn daughter, Kaylene Orton; and adopted granddaughter, Jeanie Orton. The family expresses their gratitude to the Pocatello Veterans Home and especially the staff of Safe Haven Care Center for their kind service. The physicians, nurses, nutritionist and one-on-one care-givers who spent their time and expertise to see that Ken had a comfortable last few years. Thanks also to the care of Encompass Hospice. In lieu of flowers, take your family out to dinner; this is what Ken would have wanted. Ken was kind to all he knew and kinder to those he didnt know. He will be truly missed, by those who surrounded him, especially by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren that knew him not. Funeral services, with Military Honors, will be held on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at 12 noon at Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 S. 4 th Ave. Pocatello, ID with a viewing for one hour prior to the services also at Colonial Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, 1520 S. 5 th Ave. Pocatello, ID 83204.

Visitation

12/22/2016 11:00

12:00:00

Colonial Chapel

2005 S 4th Ave

Pocatello

Idaho

83201



Funeral Service

12/22/2016 12:00



Colonial Chapel

2005 S 4th Ave

Pocatello

Idaho

83201