Elmo Sander Colton passed away peacefully at his home on November 19, 2019. Even though he was 96 years old at his passing, he was still able to live on his own, an example of the great strength he had. Elmo was born December 26, 1922 in Moffat, Utah, to parents Byron Owen Colton and Helen Merkley. He attended Roosevelt High School, where he was an excellent student, played on the baseball, track, and basketball team, and was the school newspaper editor. In summers, he helped his father surveying dams and reservoirs in the Uintah Basin, and for a time operated a gas station by himself in Heber, Utah. He later joined IBM in Los Angeles at the age of 18, and attended IBM School in Endicott, New York, where he was introduced to the business machine industry, which became his career for 43 years, retiring from IBM as a field manager.
Elmo married Miriam Horman on April 23, 1943, solemnizing their marriage in the Salt Lake Temple. Miriam loved him at first site, and she was probably swept off her feet by his flashy convertible. They met while they were both living and working in Salt Lake City, Utah. Elmo served in the army during World War II, after which he and Miriam moved back to Salt Lake City, and Ogden, Utah. They brought five beautiful children into their family, R. Gary (Sandy), Geoffrey L. (Marilyn), Brent J. (Carma), Patricia C Hansen (George), and Janelle McOmie (Mark). Theirs was a loving family, and that love grew as they welcomed 27 grandchildren, 81 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren. Elmo remembered the names of each one of them, and had their birthdays all recorded where he could look them up.
Elmo was kind and loving. He had a woodworking skill, making cabinets and furniture in his home shop, and after he retired from IBM he assisted in the woodshop at Evergreen Junior High School. His church callings included Counselor in a Bishopric, Young Mens President, Sunday School Superintendent, and Executive Secretary. As well as being active in his Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ward, he was charitable, donating to many causes that were of help to people. He loved to fish and go boating with his family and friends. Elmo was also a member of the Beehive Statesmen Barbershop Chorus, where he enjoyed using his talent for singing. He seemed to know a song for every occasion, and was also a hobby photographer. Most of all he loved his wife and family, and was a great father. He loved people, always calling them by name and asking them how they were doing, making friends wherever he went.
Some men become great by doing famous things that are noticed by many people. Other men become great in the eyes of their family and friends, simply by being who they are. That is who Elmo is.
Elmo Colton is survived by his five children, and sisters Grace Berrett, and Sarah Neilsen. He is preceded in death by his wife Miriam, married for 70 years, great grandsons Christian Eric Hansen, Bohdi Colton, and James Colton, and brothers Merrill, Gordon, and Miles, and sisters Ruth Chandler, Lula Dudley, and Margaret Wyler.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 23, at 11:00 AM, at the Revere Branch Building, 981 E. Revere Circle (5555 So.) Murray, Utah. There will be a viewing before the services at 9:45 AM. Interment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
