Blackmer Funeral Home

Senes Duane Orton, 78, passed away Thursday, January 8, 2009, at his home in Elk City.

Senes was born on June 14, 1930, in Kittanning, Pennsylvania to Senes A. and Margaret R. Smith Orton. He went to school until he began employment at Piper’s Body Shop in Kittanning. During his youth, Senes was an avid hunter and marksman and developed a great love for the outdoors, sometimes to the exclusion of attending school. He moved to Lewiston in 1951 and married Ellen McAllister on February 23, 1952.

Senes was drafted into the army in April of that year and served in Korea until March 1954, when he returned to Lewiston.

He worked at Gray Buick and later Chuck’s Body shop where he was employed for 31 years. Senes started his own body shop, “Senes Orton Body & Paint” from 1986-1992, as well as repairing and refinishing furniture.

He was active in the Sourdough Post of the VFW, and the Dirt Devils of Elk City.
His hobbies include traveling, collecting guns, hunting, fishing, spending time with his family and Happy Hour. Senes wintered in Arizona for 15 years and never met a person he didn’t consider a friend. Senes was a social butterfly.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Ellen Orton at the family home; sons Duane and wife Nancy, Paul and wife Anita; and daughter Sena and Wayne, all of Lewiston. Grandchildren include Nathan & Traci Orton of Portland, Marcus and Angie of Boise, Troy and Jamie & son Kayden, and Felicia Almeida and daughter Jayden, both of Lewiston. Senes is also survived by three brothers, Ron & Anneliese of Lewiston, Joe & Jan of Boise, and Larry & Jeane of Lewiston, Harry & Gloria McAllister of Portland, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Senes and Margaret; his brother, Dean, and grandson, Kyron.

 A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2009, at 2:00 p.m., at the Salvation Army, 1835 G. St., Lewiston, followed by a potluck luncheon. An addition service will be celebrated in Elk City at a later date.

 Cremation is under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville.

 Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.blackmerfuneralhome.com.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the charity of your choice.