John Dennis Dayton

John Dennis Dayton

(September 18, 1940 - February 5, 2023)

John Dennis Dayton, 82, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2023 at his home in Rock Springs, Wyoming. He was born in Montpelier, Idaho; the son of John William and Goldie Dayton. He grew up on a large sheep and cattle ranch in Cokeville, Wyoming where he found his love of animals.

He graduated from Cokeville High School in 1958. He earned his BS in political science from Utah State University in Logan, Utah. While there, he was a member of the concert band playing the saxophone and sang with the Magragold singers. He later returned to Utah State University and earned two Masters of Science.

Dennis had a love of teaching and his first teaching position was in Paris Idaho where he met the love of his life Claudia Stock. They were married in the Logan Utah temple in 1964 and were married for 58 years.

He taught government, sociology, and economics at the junior high, high school, & jr. college levels. Dennis was also in school administration in Idaho, California and Wyoming. He taught for a total of 33 years. He taught 21 of those years for Sweetwater County School Dist. #1. After he retired from teaching, he worked at Ace for 10 years. He and his wife loved to travel and go on cruises.

Dennis had a love of sports! He played in high school, college, and was on several adult teams. He coached football, basketball, volleyball & track. He loved the Rock Springs Tigers, the Utah Jazz, Utah State Aggies and the Wyoming Cowboys as long as they weren't playing the Aggies. He was an avid reader and enjoyed reading about history, cars, and airplanes. Best of all, he loved being with his family and enjoying his grandchildren and their activities!

Dennis never met a stranger. He could talk to anyone and was always willing to lend a helping hand or a sympathetic ear. He endured many trials and tribulations with his health but always keep a positive attitude.

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served faithfully in a variety of positions including several bishoprics and bishop.

Survivors include his wife Claudia Dayton; two daughters Natalie Bunker and husband Mark, Michelle Skorcz and husband Danny; grandchildren Riley and Andrew Skorcz; and one sister Helen Dearden and husband Layne.

His is preceded in death by his parents and one brother.

At his request, no funeral services will be held.

Private graveside services will be held at the Rock Springs cemetery.

Condolences can be left for the family at www.foxfh.com.