Byron Richard Orton

Byron Richard Orton was born of goodly parents, Byron Luke and Colleen Henderson Orton, on July 26, 1947. He married the love of his life and eternal sweetheart, Janiel Johnson, on June 27, 1966 in the Salt Lake Temple. He left this life on November 2, 2021, to carry on another life on the other side of God’s veil.

B. Richard owned and operated Rich-J Ranch, a dairy and horse operation in Salem, Utah. He enjoyed studying genetics and bloodlines of animals to create a top dairy herd and quality quarter horses with bloodlines that are still winning today. Richard loved the temple and enjoyed working as an ordinance worker for six years.

Since suffering a heart attack three and a half years ago Richard’s health has declined. Two and a half years ago he was forced into retirement when his health wouldn’t allow him to continue doing the work he loved. B. Richard made wonderful friends nationwide in the dairy and horse industries, thank you for the relationships he shared with you. He valued those friendships.

B. Richard was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He held positions as Elders Quorum President, High Priest Group Leader, High Councilor, Sunday School Teacher, Bishop, and Temple Ordinance Worker. Richard had a deep testimony of the gospel and Atonement of Jesus Christ, he truly loved the Lord.

Richard left a special legacy. He was the father of 16 children, 13 in-law children, 98 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, posterity of 134 including his children Richard Seth (Linda) Orton, Jared Luke (Rachelle) Orton, Kyla (Joe) Prior, Audra (Rich) Morley, Malea Simmons, Tyler Heber (Tammy) Orton, Cody Grover (Missi) Orton, Rikel (Heath) Bundy, Byron Richard (Lori) Orton, Alyse (David) Hansen, Amber (Ryan) Penrod, Korin (Jonny) Grange, JaNae (Zachary) Reed, and Delite Orton. Daughter in-law Jocie (Steve) Reel, Brother Douglas Luke (Debi) Orton, Sisters: Irma Jean (Dale) Blake, Joan (Steve) Haderlie, Colette (Tracy) Uptain.

He was preceded in death by two sons, Kipp J Orton and Justin Byron Orton, a grandson Tyrel Joseph Prior and his parents Byron Luke and Colleen Henderson Orton.

A viewing will be held Sunday, November 7, 2021, from 6-8 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 187 South Main Street, Spanish Fork, Utah 84660.

A viewing will be held Monday, November 8, 2021, from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Salem Stake Center, 470 E Salem Canal Road, Salem, Utah 84653. Funeral services will be held at the same location, at 12 p.m. Interment is at the Salem City Cemetery.

Link for the funeral services https://youtube.com/channel/UC_A8PCzfGZorLQaAxIY8YCw

In lieu of flowers please consider a Meaningful Gift or Donation to the family, donations can be made to @janieljorton on venmo