Mark Taylor Dayton, 72, passed away Jan. 9, 2018 at his home in Bennington, surrounded by family following a lingering illness associated with liver failure.

Mark was born June 18, 1945 in Salt Lake City, UT to S. Reed Dayton and Lois Taylor Dayton of Cokeville, WY. The sixth of eight children, he grew up on the family ranch in Cokeville where he was taught to work and to cherish family values. He attended school there and was a 1964 graduate of Cokeville High School. He served a two year LDS mission to the Gulf States Mission from 1964 to 1966. When he returned he attended Ricks College in Rexburg, ID. He then went to Utah Technical College at Provo, UT where he received his degree in Auto Mechanics in 1969. He was employed in many industrial jobs as well as ranching and farming in Cokeville and the Bear Lake Valley.

He married Eve Crane Dayton in the Logan LDS Temple March 24, 1971. They made their home in Bennington, ID where they raised their family and he was involved in community and church service. At the time of his passing, Mark was a High Priest in the Bennington Ward having served in many callings through the years. He loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ and was often found studying the scriptures, especially during his later years.

Mark was noted for his pleasant disposition and kindness. He was described as a mannerly gentleman who had no enemies. In early years he was also famous for his ability on the dance floor and would sometimes steal the show. His greatest purpose and devotion in life was to his family who adored him.

He is survived by his wife of forty-six years and his children: Cathy (Brad) Martin, Ogden, UT; Cynthia (Ben) Bishop, Logan, UT; Rachel (Chad) Eberhardt, Salt Lake City; and Reed (Courtney) Dayton, Bennington. He is also survived by his thirteen grandchildren. His surviving siblings are: Barbara (L. Tom) Perry, Salt Lake City; Sharon R. (Janel) Dayton, Cokeville; Carol (Robert) Peterson, Cokeille; Lynn T. (Margaret) Dayton, Orem, UT; Lyman D. (Liz) Dayton, St. George, UT; Merril T (Debbie) Dayton, Barcelona, Spain and sister-in-law Cindy (Craig) Evans, Provo, UT.

He was preceded in death by both parents; an infant son, John Dayton; granddaughter, Torri Lyn Martin; brother, David T. (Cindy) Dayton; sister-in-law-, Susan (Merril) Dayton and brother-in-law, L. Tom (Barbara) Perry.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 at the Bennington LDS ward building with Bishop Brian Higley conducting. Friends may call prior to the service as well as at a viewing the evening before from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the same location.

Professional services will be provided by Schwab-Matthews Mortuary, Montpelier, ID.