Lester "Pete" Orton

 “Pete” Lester Calvin Orton passed away peacefully with his sweetheart and family by his side on April 18, 2024, in Springville, Utah. He was born September 16, 1948, to Dr Glenn B and Iris Orton of Springville, Utah.  Pete attended schools in Springville and was a proud Red Devil.  He grew up working on the family farm (where he learned his amazing strong work ethic thanks to his dad), playing sports doing wrestling and football, where he lettered 4 years, youth baseball and later enjoyed co-ed church softball where he lost numerous teeth!  Pete was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served a mission in Finland and later served in a Branch Presidency at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. Pete also served on the High Counsel in the Kolob Stake.

Pete Attended Utah Valley Technical College and BYU where he obtained a degree in Graphic Arts Design.  Pete was an Eagle Scout that led to his love for the scouting program.  He was a Scout Master, and a Leadership trainer for the explorer program where we were all then taught to salute the buffalo by putting our hand on our heart when we saw one. Pete got his Duty to God award, and he even received his Silver Beaver Award. Dad was very proud of his work and time in the Boy Scouts of America.  Pete worked at BYU press department where he utilized his Graphic Arts degree. After 10 years Pete decided he wanted something a little more challenging, which led to his employment at the Utah Country Sherifs department.  Pete had many accomplishments while with the department, one he is most proud of was being part of the Transition Team that helped get the new jail up and running in Spanish Fork and switching everyone and the inmates from Provo.  He enjoyed his Co-workers on that team very much.   Later in his career he became the Firearms Instructor. He sure was a great shot!  Pete ran on the Springville Ambulance and enjoyed all the calls he got to go on. He loved Dutch Oven cooking for many Deer Hunting Camps and catering for those who asked. He especially loved doing this with his friend Max Alleman.   Pete enjoyed and loved photography and also doing pottery.

Pete met and married his high school sweetheart, Vickie Antonino. They married September 16, 1968, and were later sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple.   Together they had 6 children.  They later divorced.  Pete met his second wife and love Maria Gonzalez Orton in Springville, Utah.  They were married June 4, 2011, and have had a wonderful union for the past 13 years living the language of love where Pete would give her single red roses.

Pete is survived by his wife, his children Todd of Springville, Utah, Travis of Springville, Utah, Tecia (Steve) Brinkerhoff of Provo, Utah, Talia (Bracken) Hudson of Highland, Utah and Tyra of Springville, Utah.  Sobeida of Guadalajara, Jalisco, México, Minerva of Guadalajara, Jalisco, México, Rodrigo (Edna) of Provo, Utah, Lenin (Cleo) of Springville, Utah and Dalia of Guadalajara, Jalisco, México; 25 Grandchildren, 7 Great-grandchildren.  His sister Sally (Eric) Showgren of Mapleton, Utah, and Brothers Dean (June) of Lincoln City, Oregon, Larry (Sonja) of Elko, Nevada and Brent (Marie) of Spanish Fork, Utah. He is proceeded in death by his parents, son Trevor who was stillborn, his brothers Eric and John Orton.

The Family would like to express much gratitude to Symbii Hospice for their help in taking care of Dad the last 2 months, especially Brooke and Candice.  We would also like to thank the great ladies at Aspen Senior Day Care, thanks for loving dad!  Last but not least Thank You Travis for your dedication to dad the last 10 years and sticking to the commandment of Honoring thy Father and Mother, you have made dad proud, and we are so grateful for all the sacrifices you have made.  Now Travis, go on a VACATION!!

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in the Spring Creek 9^th Ward Chapel located at 55 N Mainstreet, Springville.  A viewing for friends and family will be held Monday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Wheeler Mortuary located at 211 East 200 South in Springville, and on Tuesday just prior to the service from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church.  Burial will be in the Springville Historic Cemetery.