Obituary of Keith Dunton

Vernal Keith Dunton passed away at his home while sleeping on October 21, 2021. He had suffered a stroke in April and was working fiercely towards a full recovery until he had another stroke last month, which sadly left him too weak to continue the fight. Keith was born in Payson, Utah on September 21, 1955 to Keith and Edna Dunton. He was the first of 5 children. He was preceded in death by his parents Keith and Edna Dunton, wife Sherry Johnson and grandson Miguel Garcia. He is survived by his Step-Father Emmett Allen, Siblings; Tracy Norvell, Russell Dunton, Bobby and Dora Dunton, Becky and David Waters and Step-Children April Brown, David Hauser, Steven Hauser, Lena Crusha and Valerie Hauser, six nephews, three nieces, 12 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, 16 great-great-grandchildren. Since Keith never raised children of his own, it was his great granddaughter Gabriella’s unconditional love for him that showed him the dept of love that you could have for a child. Keith always said it was the day he learned what the true meaning of empathy was. That love for a child soon grew to encompass his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Keith was a honest man and a good friend. He loved music, his family, especially his wife Sherry. He worked thirty years for C&B Construction in Cottonwood, Arizona before retiring. He was a diligent worker and an excellent Carpenter. There are many good times remembered with Vernal Keith and he will not be forgotten for we hold our memories close to our hearts….. He will be deeply missed.

Keith wishes were to be cremated and be part of the earth to nurture a new plant life. “His wife Sherry wanted to begin her next adventure as part of a peace rose planted in their garden. Keith wanted to be the tree that gives her shade and protects her from the storms.” If I could ask my dad one more question it would be “what kind of tree do you want to be when you grow up?”

There will be a Celebration of Life and Planting in the Spring.

In memory of Keith please donate to your local animal shelter.