Obituary

Byron K. Orton
Byron K. Orton

January 22, 1950 - January 29, 2025
Born in Auburn, Nebraska
Resided in Altoona, Iowa
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Obituary

Byron Kent Orton of Altoona, IA passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 29, 2025, at the age of 75. A visitation will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025 from 9 to 11 am with the funeral at 11 am and a luncheon following at noon at Iles Grandview Park Chapel, 3211 Hubbell Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50317. Please dress casually as anyone who knows Byron knew how much he loved a good hoodie and sweatpants.

Byron was born in Auburn, NE to Frank and Lorraine Orton, joining big sister Connie to complete the family. Byron attended South Dakota University as an undergrad on a football scholarship. He returned to Nebraska and attended his beloved University of Nebraska obtaining his law degree. He then moved to Des Moines to begin his career with the state of Iowa. He retired after nearly 30 years of service as Labor Commissioner where he worked passionately to protect the rights and safety of Iowa’s workforce.

After retiring Byron began a second “job” as we all liked to call it, playing poker every morning at Prairie Meadows, where he met a great group of friends.

Byron met the love of his life Debbie while at work and finally convinced her to go on a first date the day before his birthday…what a great birthday present! They were wed on September 16, 1978, and had 2 children Stacy and Kyle.

As a family man, Byron loved spending time with his kids - whether it was WWE style wrestling, playing hours of catch in the backyard, or helping with homework - a job he continued as his kids entered college. Byron also spent countless hours cheering on his kids (most often from the dugout or sidelines as a coach) during his kids sporting events.

Byron was so happy to take on the role of Grandpa when his son Kyle (Bridget) welcomed granddaughter Olivia and grandson Jack and took on the role of goofy Grandpa. Byron loved attending their sporting events, traveling with them, and quizzing them on their schoolwork. He also loved being Grandpa to his grand dog Daisy and spent many hours giving belly rubs and sneaking her treats.

After Byron and Debbie retired, they loved to travel and spend time with their great friends playing cards or trying new restaurants as a group. He loved the outdoors and found great joy working in his yard, planting flowers, and building bird houses and flower boxes. And his fairy gardens were amazing every year!

He is survived by his wife Debbie, daughter Stacy (John), son Kyle (Bridget), grandkids Olivia and Jack, along with grand dog Daisy.

Byron will be missed greatly by everyone who had the pleasure to know and love him. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial gifts to AHeinz57 Pet Rescue of De Soto, IA.



ILES GRANDVIEW PARK CHAPEL

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Services

Visitation
Iles Grandview Park Chapel
3211 Hubbell Avenue
Des Moines, IA US 50317
Monday, February 3, 2025
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Show more -
Service
Iles Grandview Park Chapel
3211 Hubbell Avenue
Des Moines, IA US 50317
Monday, February 3, 2025
11:00 AM
- Show more -
Burial
Private

Charities

AHeinz 57 Pet Rescue and Transport
P.O. Box 188
De Soto, IA USA P.O.50069-
We are committed to saving homeless companion animals, assisting other shelters/rescues through rescue transports, offering in-home training to keep dogs in their current homes, and educating the public on the issues of pet over-population, responsible pet ownership and puppy mills.