David Moore Orton

Dave Orton
Panguitch, Utah

David Moore Orton, 59, passed away July 29, 2024 at his home in Panguitch. He was born February 10, 1965 in Panguitch to Gary and Coleen Moore Orton. He married Marianne Breeze in Panguitch; later divorced. 

Dave grew up in Panguitch where he spent his days working at his dad’s service station and chasing cows. His love for horses started young and only grew with age. He finished high school and moved to Cedar where he team roped on Peanut Butter and worked at a service station. Dave later moved back to panguitch and joined the National Guard, attending basic training in Oklahoma. After basic, he Joined the National Guard Unit in Beaver — the 222nd Field Artillery. During this time, he also attended horse shoeing school, a trade that supported his family for many years. He was working seasonally for the forest service on a fire crew when he met and married Marianne Breeze. 

Dave and Marianne moved to California where they had their two beautiful children, Zac and Katie. It didn’t take much, or long, for his world to revolve around them. California was short lived and the family moved back to Escalante for a short period of time before moving “home” to Panguitch. 

This is where Dave’s life really began. He invested in the family farm with his dad and made a true living of it. Dave and his dad, Gary, were best friends working and talking every single day. Every weekend here on out was spent at the farm or on the back of a horse, kids in tow. The farm was his passion and livelihood. He was always eager to invite anyone that wanted to go and was quick to make friends. The entire extended family would get together for long drives and this is when Dave was his happiest. His genuine smile and large belly laugh came easy when we were all together. He never missed the opportunity to tell a joke or fit in one of his famous one liners, sure to make everyone laugh. 

Growing up, Dave learned the value of hard work and he was quick to instill that same work ethic in his kids from a young age. As the years passed he was soon hauling kids to high school rodeos, chasing ball games and making dance competitions and man, was he proud. He never missed an opportunity to whoop (if you know, you know) at any event. 

Although he loved his kids, nothing quite compared to having grandkids. He loved those grandkids with everything he had. Dave was quick to call to see how they were doing and wanted to hear every detail about what they were doing, what sports they were playing and any funny story. He was always proud of his kids and grandkids, of everything and anything they did. You knew because well, he was quick to fit it in every conversation for the rest of his life. 

He worked at a few large ranches in California and Escalante but ended his career at Garkane as a meter reader. He was a hard worker and was rightfully proud of that. He lost his eye sight in 2017, and although it slowed him down, he took his own advice and “never weakened.” For several years he still found ways to get on the back of his horse and spend time at the farm. Although he couldn’t see, he never missed a birthday call. He lost his dad and best friend shortly before he passed, which was incredibly hard for him. 

Dave is survived by his children: Zac (Kylee) Orton, Panguitch; Katie Orton, Cedar City; grandchildren: Lexis Hoffman, Chaynee Orton and Bo Orton; siblings: Dwaine (Linda) Orton, Cedar City; Kelly Orton, Mesa, AZ; Gaylene (Than) Cooper, Panguitch; Holly (Jared) Pedersen, Cedar City; Harold (Rena) Orton, Mt. Pleasant.

God called Dave home on July 29, 2024. He was welcomed home by the loving arms of his mom and dad. 

Funeral services will be held Monday, August 5, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. in the Panguitch 1st Ward Chapel. Viewing at the church from 10:00 - 12:00. Burial will be in the Panguitch Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com