Orville Knighton

Orville Knighton, 88, peacefully finished his journey on this earth December 12, 2017, at Syringa Place in Twin Falls. He was born November 18, 1929 in Springfield, Colorado. He was the first child of six born to Roy and Vivian Knighton who were ranchers in South East Colorado. They came through the depression but were unable to survive the drought and dust bowl days that followed closely behind. In 1935 they packed up their three children and followed friends who had already come to Idaho. They settled on a small acreage in the Hazelton/Murtaugh area. Orville attended Riverside country grade school, Hazelton High School and graduated from Murtaugh High in 1947.

He joined the army in January, 1951, receiving an honorable discharge in 1953. On October 17, 1953, he married Darleen Murri at her parents’ home in Twin Falls. On October 25, 1957, they became the proud parents of a daughter, Susan, their only child.

They moved to Pocatello in the mid 50’s where he attended ISU, earning an Associate’s Degree in mechanical engineering. He worked at INEL for some time but decided he wanted to be his own boss so they returned to Murtaugh where he opened a garage and repair shop. Some years later he became interested in animal nutrition and became a distributor for Pro-Lix, which he continued until he retired.

Orville enjoyed fishing in his younger years when time permitted. A highlight for him was a salmon fishing trip to Alaska. He and Darleen also enjoyed growing a big garden and canning much of the produce for future use and food storage.

Orville was a conservative and was opinionated on certain things. He was an honest man who worked hard to take care of his family and business. He didn’t ask much for himself but was always ready to give a helping hand. He will be missed by many.

Orville is survived by: his wife, Darleen and daughter, Susan of Shoshone; sisters, Freida Young and Barbara (Blair) Hall, Twin Falls, Bernie (Bill) Daniels, Boise, and Deloris Durk, Portland, OR; sister-in-law’s Kay Knighton and Melva Workman, Twin Falls, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Vivian, a brother, Bernard, two nieces and a nephew.

The family extends a sincere thank you to the staff of Syringa Place for making Orville’s stay there a pleasant experience.

In lieu of flowers please send your contribution to a favorite charity.

Friends may call at a visitation to be held Monday December 18, from 5-7pm at Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls.  Funeral services will be held on Tuesday December 19, at 2:00 pm at Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home, burial will follow at Twin Falls Cemetery.