Bobbie Joe “Bob” Orton, born May 29, 1938, in Panguitch, Utah, to Lawrence and Hazel Orton, returned home to his loving Father in Heaven on March 11, 2026. His life was shaped by faith, hard work, devotion to family, and a deep love for the community he proudly called home.
Bob didn’t just make a living-he built something lasting. With determination, long days on the road, and then long days in the shop, he created Bob Orton Trucking, a company known for its excellence and unmistakable presence on the highway. Every rig that carried Bob Orton Trucking on its doors reflected his standards: polished, cared for, and built with pride. His work ethic was unmatched, and his reputation stretched far beyond Panguitch.
Bob’s presence wasn’t always seen at public events-not because he didn’t care, but because he was often behind the scenes, managing dispatch, coordinating loads, and making sure his drivers were taken care of. His dedication kept the wheels turning for countless others.
Bob loved Panguitch with his whole heart. He was a community supporter, a generous giver, and someone who financially supported community events to keep local traditions alive. He was a loyal Bobcat to the end, cheering for local kids, supporting school activities, and carrying the spirit of his hometown wherever he went.
Church for Bob wasn’t confined to a building. Every Sunday, he worshiped in his shop-his own quiet sanctuary-where he talked with God, whom he affectionately called “the man upstairs.” His relationship with the Lord was steady, sincere, and deeply personal.
Bob married his sweetheart, Barbara, and remained devoted to her throughout their life together. Their marriage was built on love, respect, and shared purpose. Together they had 5 children: Carolyn, Richard (deceased), Mark & Laurie, Dale & Abbie, and Merry (deceased).
Bob worked tirelessly to provide for his family and taught by example what it meant to be loyal, honest, and strong. More than anything, he wanted his children to love one another. Bob adored his 11 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. He was proud of each one-celebrating their accomplishments, supporting their dreams, and loving them without hesitation.
Bob believed in looking sharp. He was known for dressing to the nines-his Wranglers or Levis, a good belt with a buckle, a crisp cowboy shirt, and polished boots, all finished with his favorite cologne. His style reflected the same pride he put into his trucks and his life.
Bob’s kitchen was a place of comfort and invention. He was famous for his chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting, his Graham Cracker cookies with frosting in the middle, and family favorites like tuna casserole, macaroni salad, homemade French fries, and cream of wheat with buttered biscuits in the oven. He loved simple, nostalgic dishes like bread and milk and macaroni and tomato juice with cheddar cheese chunks. And then there was his secret weapon: Doritos with shredded cheese nachos drizzled with raspberry jam- a creation only Bob could dream up. His sweet tooth was legendary. His cookie jar filled with Oreos for sharing. His shop was always stocked with candy, and he loved handing it out to anyone who stopped by.
Bob had a lifelong love for animals. Over the years he cared for Duke, Rolly, Brownie, Shasta, Friskey, Fazoo, and many beloved cats-each one fed well and loved deeply. As a boy, he often told the story of the dog who pulled their little sleigh through the snow, a memory he cherished all his life.
Bob’s life touched countless people-family, friends, drivers, neighbors, and anyone who crossed his path. His legacy lives on in the company he built, the community he supported, the meals he cooked, the animals he loved, the faith he lived, and the love he gave so freely.
The world has been a brighter place because of Bob.
We love you. Enjoy your time off and your rest with our loving God.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 20th, 2026 at 12 noon in the Panguitch 2nd Ward chapel, 176 North 400 East. A viewing will be held from 10:00 to 11:45 am prior to the service. Burial will be in the Panguitch cemetery under the direction of Mosdell Mortuary.
You are invited to watch the services through the Zoom link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81713153808?pwd=r7lL9eHuuMaueRyEgfoFUztzOPTzz6.1
I remember Bob and Barbara from my family moving to Panguitch. They and Carolyn were so welcoming and kind. I lost touch after I joined the Army and moved away but the ever persistent Carolyn found me on Facebook and with her was able to catch up and send hugs and love. Bob was a great force and a wonderful listener. Bob you will be missed and always thought of with great fondness. Much love and many hugs for the Orton family. ❤️🙏🏻 ps Bob please give my love to Ted and Doris and my mom Dee when you see them 💝
My grandpa’s funeral was beautiful and so cool. He would have absolutely loved it. Inside his casket they put a bottle of rubbing alcohol (his fix for everything that ails you), some starting fluid, some Pledge, and some JB Weld. All things grandpa used on the daily. He got to keep his hat on when the casket was closed. The casket was pin-striped just like all of his beautiful trucks were, and the handles were shiny chrome. It was just so very him.
Kamrie gave a beautiful tribute to him about the times that she spent with him and what he meant to her. And then 3 drivers that he had worked with through the years also gave great talks about him as a business man, and his work ethic, tenacity, honesty, and integrity.
After the funeral they hauled him to the cemetery on the back of a diesel, with a whole line of diesels following behind. It was amazing.
I am so proud to be his granddaughter. I am so proud of the legacy he built. When Ryan Houston got up and said that Bob Orton Trucking has been a staple in this community for so many years and how they are so thankful for all he’s done for the town that really hit me hard. He also talked about how when he was little and one of grandpa’s trucks drove by they all got more excited than when the other trucks drove by because there was just something extra special about Bob Orton trucks. They truly were the best looking ones on the road. Then adding “And what would a 24th of July parade be without the Bob Orton trucks in it?”
Grandpa was indeed a good business man, but he was also a good family man.
Grandpa was hilarious. The kind of guy who said something funny and then tried to deadpan and not laugh at all but you could see he was on the verge of busting up. He’d wait until everyone else was laughing and then smile and say “Well…”. He’d tease the boys and ask them if they’ve found a little red-headed girlfriend with some fire in her yet, and that it would do them some good.
He was a great cook. He made the best cake, and the best macaroni salad. And if you didn’t like something he was trying to feed you he’d just yell “you don’t know what’s good!” Or “just eat it, it’ll put hair on your chest!” 🤭 Then every time you’d tell him how good something was that he’d made he’d say “can you taste the earwigs I put in it? That’s the secret that makes it taste so good.”
If it was late at night and you were all being rowdy and not going to sleep he’d walk in and say “you guys better settle down or I’ll spank you with the yard stick!” with his yardstick in hand. Haha! I’m 45 years old and never actually got a yardstick spanking from him, but he must have thought it was scary. Or he’d threaten to give you a knuckle-sandwich. 🤭
He’s the grandpa that when any little girl would walk in he’d say “well look at that cute little boy!” And vice versa with the boys being called a cute little girl To which the little kid would always get mad and say “I’m not a boy, I’m a girl!” And he’d act surprised and say “Ooooh I’m sorry! I thought you were a little boy”. My cousin Maren told me at my grandma’s funeral that’s one of the things she remembers about Grandpa, that he’d always call us little boys and it made her laugh.
He liked to tease Grandma and tell us when we came over that Grandma had been dipping into the whiskey so he’s got to watch her close or she might run off to Colorado City to find herself a new husband. 😂
He always made sure your oil was topped off in your car, that you had money for gas, and that you had motor oil, Pledge, Windex, paper towels and rags in a box in your trunk “just in case”.
He loved to eat broken up bread with milk and salt and pepper on it. He loved to give the little grandkids medicine bottles full of pennies or nickels or dimes or quarters. Then he’d tell them to sit down at the table and count up their change. He loved animals and had a special place in his heart for any creature that seemed down-trodden. If they happened to come into his yard and if they stuck around before they knew it they were eating better than any other animal in the neighborhood.
He had a mind like a steel trap up until these past few years. He could tell you the year most of the houses in town were built. He could tell you what year he helped on certain jobs and who helped him do it. He loved to talk about his family when he was growing up and especially about his mom. You could really tell how much he loved her and how much she meant to him.
He loved to talk about his friends. He told stories about milking cows with his friend John (Judy Henrie) when they were just 8-9 years old to help make money.
He loved to pinch or slap grandma’s butt if she was bent over doing anything or standing at the stove cooking. You’d hear her yell “Oh! BOB!” And he’d just laugh.
He loved to sit on the porch after a long day of work and watch the cars drive by while having a sweet treat and a cold glass of milk or orange juice. He loved to go for rides to check things out and see what’s going on. And at the end of the night he loved to watch a western on the couch next to grandma. Usually Gunsmoke.
He was a deep feeling person, and when you were feeling your lowest, it was grandpa who swooped in and gave sage advice about not giving up, and being strong. He’d tell you to keep going, and that he knows it’s hard but you’re going to be ok.
He loved his family. Very much. And we loved him. Thank you for everything grandpa.