Frank E. Colton Funeral Rites Held Monday

Funeral services for Frank Edwin Colton, 85, who died at the Utah Medical Center in Orem on October 11 were conducted Monday, October 14 at 12 noon in the Maeser Chapel with Bishop Henry A. Mansfield conducting.

Prayer at the Vernal Mortuary was offered by Frank Colton, a son. The prelude music was played by Ruth L. Jones.

The opening prayer was offered by Morgan Merkley. The song "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" was sung by a quartet consisting of Venil Johnson, Wallace Anderson, Keith and Arza Adams.

An organ and piano duet, "Oh My Father" was sung by two granddaughters, Margene Hall and Eloise Adams.

First speaker was Harmon Sowards, who told the personal history of Mr. Colton. A vocal duet "Flower Land" was sung by Danna Dee Smith and Keith Adams. The second speaker was LaMond Tullis of the Ashley Stake Presidency.

The closing song by the quartet was "Jesus My Savior True."

Benediction was given by Frank Goodrich, a son-in-law. Eloise Adams was accompanist for all the singing.

Burial was in the Maeser Fairview Cemetery with Garth M. Colton, a son, dedicating the grave.

Pallbearers were grandsons, Karol Bills, Clifton Perry, Daryl Colton, Lowell and Larry Caldwell and Brent Hall.

Frank Edwin Colton was born September 7, 1878 at Mona, Juab County, Utah, a son of Sterling Driggs and Nancy Adeline Wilkins Colton.

He married Elizabeth Jane Hacking, September 27, 1899 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. She died June 10, 1910. He married Phoebe Jane Merkley Bills, October 11, 1911 in the Salt LAke Temple. She died August 23, 1953. He was a resident of Ashley Valley since he was one year of age, living a lifetime on the original Colton honestead. He was educated in Ashley Valley schools, attending Uintah Academy. His life was spent as a stockman and farmer. He was a High Priest and member of the Maeser Second Ward of Ashley Stake.

Survivors are: sons and daughters, Mrs. Donald (Anna) Bench, Duchense; Mrs. Wallace (Mar) Caldwell and Mrs. Clyde (Clara) Hall, Vernal; Frank E., Salt Lake; Elmo D and Mrs. Frank E. (Lela) Goodrich, Orem; Garth M., Lewiston, Montana; Sterling Boyd, Pasco, Washington; one stepson, George F. Bills, Provo; 28 grandchildren; brothers and sister, Charles H. Colton, Salt Lake; Mrs. G. M. (Zora) Paulsen, Salt Lake and Hugh W. Vernal; One brother, Dr. Warren A. Colton preceded him in death three days.

-Vernal Express, October 17, 1963, transcribed by Rhonda Holton

With Elizabeth Jane Hacking they had five children: Nellie Colton Perry, Thora Colton Mitchell, Nancy Mar Colton Caldwell, Frank Edwin Colton and Annie Elda Colton Bench.

Elizabeth died June 16, 1910.

He then married Phoebe Jane Merkley. They have six children: three children living, Elmo Davis Colton, Elizabeth Colton and Lela Colton Goodrich.