Orval Kent Palmer peacefully passed away from heart failure on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at his home in Alton, Utah. He was born just two blocks away on September 8, 1932, to Jesse Milo Palmer, Jr. and Ella Heaton. Orval loved Alton deeply and spent nearly all of his 93 years there-apart from four years attending Utah State University in Logan, three months of military service in Virginia, and two years serving in the Western Canadian Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He graduated from Valley High School in Orderville in 1950 and continued relationships with his classmates.
On July 21, 1975, Orval married Gerta Lowry, a wonderful, small-town girl from Idaho, in the Salt Lake temple. The very next day, they were sealed for all eternity in the same temple. They reared their family together in Alton for 50 years!
Orval devoted his life to serving his community, county, and country. He served over 45 years for the US government as a postmaster and weatherman, numerous years for the Utah state government as a livestock brand inspector, 25 years for Kane County on the planning commission, and over 45 years for Alton as a town board member, water master, and even mayor. One of his favorite accomplishments as mayor was helping bring the now-famous “Whoa” stop signs to Alton.
A lifelong horseman, Orval loved spending time riding and working with horses. He worked for Yardley Cattle Company, ran his own small ranch, and often trained horses for others. He was especially proud of his favorite quarter horses and the time he spent riding and working with them, including wagon trains like the historic Honeymoon Trail.
Above all, Orval was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. He loved the Lord and found great joy in serving Him. Over the years, he faithfully served in many callings, including ward mission leader, bishop, and his favorite calling of all–nursery leader. More than any title, he loved ministering to his neighbors, especially those alone. Even in his later years, he walked to visit them and personally delivered their mail, quietly caring for those around him.
Family-both those on earth and his ancestors who had gone before-was central to Orval’s life. He maintained close relationships with many beloved cousins throughout the years. He is survived by his wife Gerta Lowry; his children Robert Stroud; Jennifer Harris; David (Shannon) Stroud; Mark Stroud; Susan (Terry) Wiese; and Lucy (Harold) Todachinnie. He adored his 14 grandchildren: Jacob, Corey, Heidi, Chris, Ben, Jesse Lyn, Lacee, Jesse (JJ), Kyle, Levi, Issac, Roxie, Echo, and Cooper. He is also survived by three dear sisters-in-law: Wanda, Joyce, and Elaine.
Funeral services will be held in Alton, Utah, on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. A viewing will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Interment will be in the Alton Cemetery.
The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Orval’s doctors and nurses, hospice caregivers, many dear friends and neighbors, and Mosdell Mortuary for their compassionate care and support.