Donald Anderton

Donald J. Anderton was born July 20th, 1923 in Henefer, Summit County, Utah to John Fredrick and Cheltina Elizabeth Jones Anderton. He died on October 4, 2011 at his home in Morgan, Utah surrounded by his family.

He graduated from North Summit High School and LDS Seminary. Don loved sports and had fond memories of playing quarterback for North Summit High School and catcher for the Coalville American Legion baseball team. He possessed a keen intellect. He excelled in his studies and was awarded a full scholarship to Utah State University. He elected to forfeit his scholarship and serve his country in World War II. He flew 35 combat missions as a B-24 pilot in the European Theater. He was stationed in Cerignola, Italy as part of the 15th Air Force, 455th BG. He was awarded the Air Medal with three Oak Clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

During his pilot training in Florida he became engaged by mail to his high school sweetheart, Afton Boyer. They were married in Lawrenceville, Ill. on February 3, 1943. Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake City Temple shortly after his release from active duty.

He was hired by United Air Lines in 1945 and flew for 38 years and over 23,000 hours before retiring in 1983.

Don had a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He left a legacy of love and service in the Church. He served with great devotion in many callings, including Bishop and High Councilman. Some of his fondest memories were of his service with his loving companion Afton. They worked for many years together in the Ogden Temple. They served full- time missions to India in 1985 and to Nigeria in 1989. Both were challenging and spiritual experiences. Their lives were deeply enriched by the loved they shared and the service rendered.

Don was a journal keeper. He made daily entries for more than fifty years. His writings have become a family treasure. He also left an oral-recorded history of his childhood years. He loved family history and has collected the written histories of most of his ancestors.

Don's greatest joy was his loving and caring family. Don and Afton loved to travel especially if it was to visit and serve family members. Treasured memories included many family camping and fishing trips.

Family gatherings were numerous and memorable especially during his last few years of declining health. He delighted in the successes and accomplishments of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He endured well his final months of declining health and mobility. He loved and prayed for his family as they untiringly cared for him in his home. He often expressed his great appreciation for the doctors, nurses, and aides who lovingly cared for him.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Fredrick; mother, Cheltina; sister, Thelma; and grandson Issac Gilson.

He is survived by sons, Barry Anderton (Sandra) of Farmington, Utah; Eric Anderton (Sharon) of Morgan; Michael Anderton (Kristi) of Wenatchee, Washington; Rodney Anderton (Marilyn) of Pocatello, Idaho; daughter, Kim Hill (Dave) of Kaysville, Utah; foster-daughter, Vanchon Birdsbill of Wolfpoint, Montana; 26 grandchildren and 54 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are three sisters, Donna Murray of Ogden, Utah; Alice Moore of Henefer, Utah; and Katherine Setterberg of Sandy, Utah.

Funeral services will be held Monday, Oct. 10, 2011 at 1 p.m. at the Rock Church in Morgan. Friends and family may call at Walker Mortuary in Morgan Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday at the church from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Interment, South Morgan Cemetery.