Santa Clara, Utah – Lyman Dayton, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on July 25, 2025, in Draper, Utah, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on August 17, 1941, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Lyman grew up on a ranch in Cokeville, Wyoming, with his loving and large family. From an early age, he displayed a big, playful personality, endless creativity, and a zest for life. While these traits occasionally got in the way of his ranch chores, schoolwork, and his parents' peace of mind, they also fueled his success in many areas. He loved people and excelled socially, and also exhibited great talent in art, music, athletics (including high school football and basketball), and, of course, in getting into mischief.

Lyman loved his family and God above all else. At the age of 19, following family tradition, he faithfully and enthusiastically served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the California South Mission (1960–1962). His time as a missionary brought him not only great success but also a deep and enduring love for the gospel.

Upon returning home, Lyman attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where he pursued a degree in Communications and dreamed of one day working in Hollywood. While at BYU, he met and courted Elizabeth Anne Doty ("Liz"), and they were married on July 31, 1965, in the Los Angeles California Temple. They moved to Los Angeles shortly thereafter.

With big dreams and unwavering determination, Lyman pursued a career in the movies. True to his personality, he aimed to make films that would uplift, inspire, and bring joy to others. After years of waiting for his big break, he took matters into his own hands and produced Where the Red Fern Grows. The film became a beloved classic and launched a fruitful career in which he produced and directed 18 films that have been viewed and cherished by millions around the world. He was a member of both the Directors Guild of America and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.

Aside from his worldly legacy, Lyman strived to be a loving husband, father, family member, and disciple of Jesus Christ. While living in Southern California, he and Liz welcomed all five of their children. He loved each one of his children and cultivated unique and personal relationships with them. In 1982, the family moved to St. George and later to Santa Clara, Utah, where Lyman resided for the rest of his life. Lyman and Liz would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on July 31.

He was always willing to serve and fully embraced his many callings within the Church. These included roles such as Elders Quorum President, Mission Leader, High Priest Group Leader, and member of the High Council—but perhaps his greatest joy came from studying, teaching, and sharing the gospel, which he did with deep conviction and love.

Personally, he was endlessly curious and took great interest in people and things. He loved meaningful conversation and had a special way of making others feel seen and valued. He was an adventurer at heart and loved to explore the world. A connoisseur of cinema, he found joy in watching great films—his favorite was always Ben-Hur. He was also an avid golfer, a piano player, and a devoted fan of BYU sports. Ultimately, though, nothing brought him more happiness than spending time with his family and friends.

Above all else, Lyman loved people, and his positive, warm personality and genuine interest in others will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

He is survived by his five children: Lyman (Miken) of Rocklin, California; Jenny (Kevin Downs) of Santa Barbara, California; George (Kandace) of Pleasant Grove, Utah; David (Stacy) of Alexandria, Virginia; and Tom (Mary) of Santa Clara, Utah. He is also survived by his siblings: Barbara Perry (L. Tom), Sharon Dayton (Janel), Carol Petersen (Robert), Lynn Dayton (Margaret), and Merrill Dayton (Debbie). He is lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Reed, Lily, Joe, Tess (Jordan Bohne), Kyle, Julia (Justin Roundy), David, Isaac Garrett, McKay, Hannah, June, Van, Wes, Lily (Dakota Faires), Ethan, Asher, and Jude; and his great-grandchildren: Belle, Gemma, and Leo Bohne.

Lyman was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elizabeth ("Liz") Doty Dayton; his parents, S. Reed Dayton and Lois Taylor Dayton; his brothers, Mark Dayton and David Dayton; and his in-laws, George & Elizabeth Doty, L. Tom Perry, Robert Petersen, Eve Dayton, and Susan Dayton.

Funeral services will be held Friday, August 1, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Santa Clara 2nd Ward Chapel, 1705 Desert Dawn Drive, Santa Clara, Utah. Visitations will be held Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd, St. George, Utah, and Friday prior to services from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the church. Interment will follow in the Santa Clara City Cemetery, located at 1950 Ancestor Way.

Those unable to attend are invited to view the services at the following link: Livestream

Lyman Dayton Service Program