Donald R. Orton

ORTON, Donald Richard, son of Rivanna Orton and Horace Linwood Orton, Sr., was born on November 23, 1929 in Manhattan, New York City.  Donald loved life, family and friends.  He enjoyed conversation, classical music, white water rafting, hunting, traveling, motorcycle riding and the great outdoors.  However, Donald's favorite pastime was drawing, and he was extremely good at his art.

At the age of 17, Donald left home and school and enlisted in the United States Army.  After his discharge from the Service, he finished his high school education and sought employment.  Donald was married to the late Juanita Hendrickson Orton.

Donald tried his hand in diverse fields of employment as a young man.  He tried repossessing cars, the retail industry at a large A&P chain store, then at Sachs furniture stores before settling in the banking department of a major bank as an auditor of personal accounts (before computers) on the night shift.

After reaching retirement age at the bank, but not accepting retirement, Donald had a need to continue working.  Finally, he found a job he loved which put him in his element for working.  It was at the Regal Theater.  He thoroughly loved the many co-workers and patrons he came in daily contact with.  He was unable to return to work after June of 2018.

Donald's son Joseph Anthony Orton predeceased him in 1979 at 20 years of age.  Donald is survived by his daughter, Ellen Orton, two granddaughters, Shaday and Juanita, his great-granddaughter Cali, his older brother, Horace Orton, Jr., his sister Jacqueline Mingo, Sylvia Roberts and many, many nieces and nephews.

Memorial Visitation will be held at Donohue-Cecere Funeral Directors on Saturday, May 25th, from 10AM - 12PM and from 3PM - 5PM.  There will be a service in the funeral home chapel at 4PM.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald R. Orton, please visit our floral store.