Donald Dalton

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Visitation Schedule
Visitation
Central Baptist Church
3333 Dave Ward Drive
Conway, AR  72034
Monday, January 26, 2015
6-8pm
Service Schedule
Funeral
Central Baptist Church
3333 Dave Ward Dr.
Conway, AR  72034
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
10 am
Cemetery
Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery
1501 West Maryland Avenue
North Little Rock, AR  72120
Donald DaltonI am a Veteran.

of Mayflower, AR

April 10, 1939 - January 19, 2015

Brigadier General Donald Dalton, USAF, Retired, 75, of Mayflower, Ark. passed away Monday, January 19, 2015 at his home. He was born in St. Louis, MO to the late John and Dora Dalton on April 10, 1939. He was also preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Jane Harrison, brother John Dalton, and son Donald Edward Dalton.
Donald graduated from Little Rock Central High School in 1957. He graduated from the University of Arkansas (Little Rock) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and from Harvard Business School with a Masters in Management Development. His military education included Squadron Officer School, National Defense University, and Air War College. General Dalton enlisted as an airman in the Arkansas Air National Guard (ANG) in 1957. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1961. He completed Undergraduate Pilot Training at Laredo AFB, Texas in 1962. He was assigned as a reconnaissance pilot, 154th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Little Rock, flying RB-57 aircraft. During the call-up for the Pueblo Crisis in 1968, General Dalton was named air operations officer. He remained in tactical flying until the group converted to KC-135 aircraft in 1975 and he became a tanker pilot and operations staff officer. In 1978 he became an information staff officer for Headquarters, Arkansas ANG. He was selected as Deputy Commander, Arkansas ANG in December 1988, flying as an operational evaluator in the 189th Tactical Airlift Group C-130 aircraft. General Dalton was named Chief of Staff, Arkansas ANG in February 1990, Commander, Arkansas ANG in June 1991, and federally recognized as a Brigadier General on April 8, 1992.
General Dalton was a Command Pilot with over 2000 flying hours in the T-37, T-33, RB-57, RF-101, KC-135, and C-130 aircraft. His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two Bronze Oak Leaf clusters, Combat Readiness Medal with two Bronze Oak Leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with Silver Oak Leaf cluster and two Bronze Oak Leaf clusters, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with two hourglass devices, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with Bronze Service Star, Air Force Training Ribbon, Arkansas Commendation Medal, Arkansas Service Medal with four Bronze Diamonds, Arkansas Service Medal, and Arkansas Recruiting Ribbon. He served on the Arkansas Military Veterans' Hall of Fame nomination committee.
When not serving his country, Don was Vice President and General Manager for Valmac in Russellville Arkansas. He was also retired president of U.S. Poultry & Egg Association and elected chairman in 1978. In 2010 he was honored by the American Poultry Historical Society and inducted into the Poultry Hall of Fame.
Don served as a Deacon of Central Baptist Church of Conway, volunteered many hours at the Central Baptist Food Pantry, and taught adult Sunday school. Don served as President of the Conway Noon Lion's club and was dedicated to honoring his country through their flag holiday observance. Don was also a member of the Gideon's organization. Don also enjoyed serving The Lord through mission trips, traveling, and spending time with his family. Don took the time to assist those in need in his neighborhood especially during the Mayflower tornado disaster in April 2014.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Patricia Lee Murphree Dalton; daughter, Terry Dalton of Waco, TX; son, Greg Dalton of Mayflower Ark; daughter, Beth Dalton Winebrenner of Cabot Ark.; daughter-in-law, Susan Dalton of Springdale, Ark.; sister JoAnn Abbot of Beardon Ark.; step-daughters Lauren Adams (Forrest) of Springdale; Shawn Sparks Kacena (Chris) of Sherwood, and Ashley Williams (Keith) of Conway, 18 grandchildren, two great- grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and many friends.
Visitation will be Monday, January 26 from 6-8 p.m. at Central Baptist Church of Conway. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 27 at the Church. Interment will be held immediately following the service at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery 1501 West Maryland Ave. North Little Rock, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Guatemala missions program or The Food Pantry at Central Baptist Church, 3333 Dave Ward Dr. Conway, AR .72034.

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27 Condolence(s)
Betty Wade
Sherwood, AR
Liked
Friday, January 30, 2015

What a shock to all who knew Donald. He was a man who was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
He and I raised four children together and he was a friend to them as well as a father. They will sorely miss him. I watched as he sat by the bedside to comfort our young son as Donnie bravely fought his battle with cancer. Donald worked hard to become the successful person he became and many will remember and miss him.
I will always remember the polite young man I met when we both were just 18 years old and am thrilled to know he always kept that youthful exuberance..
Good bye my very special friend.

Rand McCoy
Little Rock, AR
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Wednesday, January 28, 2015

I have known Don for many years. We spoke often and talked of many things. He never boosted or bragged or spoke a bad word regarding others. He was always positive, kind, giving & forgiving. You did not have to know of the many great accomplishments he achieved in order to realize the great character of this man. The way he carried himself daily would tell you who and what he was. He was a great friend, father and servant. He loved his children very much and wanted the best for each of them. For the last year of Donnie’s short life his dad was there with him daily until the very end. I had the pleasure of observing Don and Greg work together on their many projects over past several years. This was a great joy for Don and he told me many times how proud he was of Greg. I know he was an encouragement and Beth’s rock through a recent and still unresolved crisis she faced. They will be lost without him and have truly lost their best friend. He helped so many others in so many ways; all anyone had to do was ask. His loyalty and commitment was unwavering, he was honorable and always kept him true to his word. It was this same devotion that held him hostage and in many ways a prisoner for the past 25 years. In the end, the stress of such devotion became more than he could bear.
Don Dalton walked with God.

Steve Willardsen
Lake Ozark, MO
Liked
Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Pat and Family, I had the opportunity to work with Don for many years as. Board member for US Poultry. He was such a good friend and a wonderful leader for the poultry industry. I am grateful and blessed to have known him and will truly miss him. Please accept my sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I did not have a chance to attend the visitation, but did attend the service today. It was so well done and a wonderful tribute to a really good man. Again, from me and my family, our prayers are with you.

Dennis& Lynn Harrison
North Little Rock,
Liked
Tuesday, January 27, 2015

we are sorry for your lossand whe will be greatly missedand you will be in our prayers

Dennis& Lynn Harrison
North Little Rock,
Liked
Tuesday, January 27, 2015

we are sorry for your lossand whe will be greatly missedand you will be in our prayers

jackie holloway
Sherwood, AR
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Tuesday, January 27, 2015

My heart goes out to Don's family. Even though I had not seen Don for many years, I am truly saddend.

Billy & Lynda Harper
Holly Springs,
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Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Mrs. Joann and family,
My heart goes out to your family as well as your brother's. May you find comfort in God's love for you all at this time. He is there any time.
In Christ
Billy and Lynda Harper
Holly Springs Baptist Church

Allan Harlan
Mayflower, AR
Liked
Tuesday, January 27, 2015

I first knew Don as a neighbor and then as a close friend. He was a man I greatly admired. His generosity and willingness to help others was never ending. His friendship, like his sense of humor was special.

My heart and prayers go out to his wife, Pat and all of his family.

I will always remember and I will always miss, my friend Don.

CMSGT (Ret) Brenda Aquilino
Cape Coral, FL
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Monday, January 26, 2015

It was an honor to serve with General Dalton. He was a man who led by example. He was an exceptional leader and always had an encouraging word. Thank you, Sir for your service! May you...reach out your hand and touch the face of God...

George McDoald CMSGT (Ret)
,
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Monday, January 26, 2015

It was my honor to serve and work with him. He was very fair and extremely interested in the welfare of the enlisted members. Even after retirement, he continued to work for the interests of the Guard throughout the state. His interest in you was evident any time you were in his presence. He will be missed by everyone who had the chance to meet him. May God bless you in your time of loss.

wayne chaney
bristol,, TN
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Monday, January 26, 2015

great man, old friend from years back, brings back many pleasant memories. I will miss him

Carole Hughson
Little Rock, AR
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Monday, January 26, 2015

Pat,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of your loss.
Carole Hughson

Jerry Williams
Conway,
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Monday, January 26, 2015

Thank you for your service to our country! Rest In Peace Sir!

Billy Booth
Hazen, AR
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Sunday, January 25, 2015

An extraordinary man in many ways, General Dalton will be deeply missed by all those who knew him. We will miss him at the retiree breakfasts.

Billy Booth

Melba
Conway, AR
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Sunday, January 25, 2015

I am truly sorry to hear about Don. I had the pleasure of knowing him as a wonderful friend and Co-Worker. He had a huge heart filled with kindness. It is with great sadness that I say farewell my dearest friend.

CMSgt (R) Rich Green
Hot Springs, AR
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Sunday, January 25, 2015

It was my privilege and honor to serve with General Dalton. It was a special honor to have flown with him in the KC-135, C-130 and even twice in the F-101. General Dalton was a superb leader and Commander. He always placed his Enlisted Members first. He was always a special friend to me from my first day in the 189th in 1965 and after our retirement. May General Dalton rest in peace and may our Lord give his family comfort and understanding. John 3-16.

Donald McDonald
Little Rock, AR
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Sunday, January 25, 2015

It was my pleasure to have known General Dalton both professionally and personally. He was smart, sensible, and I have always felt that he tried to Do Right!!

Shelly Orton
Bigelow, AR
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Sunday, January 25, 2015

I will always have deep love and respect for Don and Pat and will treasure my memories of our trips to Israel and the many Sunday morning hugs at church. He will be deeply missed.

Bill Lawson
North Little Rock, AR
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Saturday, January 24, 2015

I served with Don in the Guard and did PR work for him at ValMac. The General was a kind compassionate and dedicated leader. He was a great man and I'll miss him.

Bernard E. DeLisle
Kennett, MO
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Saturday, January 24, 2015

I was privileged to know and work for Gen. Don Dalton. He called me to serve on the state staff at HQ, AR ANG and I owe him much. It was that call that set the wheels in motion for my eventual promotion to chief master sergeant. Gen. Dalton was a quiet man, a great leader and above all, a man who had a lot of class. I am glad to have had the opportunity to know him.

It's always hard to express one's feelings at the passing of a friend, but I believe the following quotation attributed to Gen. George Patton says it best.

"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived."
- George S. Patton, Jr.


Godspeed Gen. Dalton,,,,,you served well!


Bernard E. DeLisle, CMSgt (Ret), AR ANG
Kennett, Missouri

CMSGT (Ret) Bob Arnold
Cabot, AR
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Friday, January 23, 2015

General Dalton was a fine military leader. He led by example and was a good thinker. I had served with him for 3 years in Headquarters Arkansas Air National Guard and considered him a good friend. He had the respect of all the troops that knew him. I pray that God will find comfort to his family.

Rosemary and Philip Doyle
Conway, AR
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Thursday, January 22, 2015

Pat and family, we were so shocked to hear of your loss. Don't mourn because he is no longer with you. Smile because he was in your life. May God be with you.

Kathleen Shelton
Cabot, AR
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Thursday, January 22, 2015

I am so sorry to learn of General Dalton's passing. I served with him in Arkansas ANG State Headquarters. He was truly an exceptional commander, who led by quiet example. He will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him.

Curtis Watson
Bryant, AR
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Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Don and I served in the 154th/189th together for many years. He was a great man and it was an honor to be associated with him. He will be sadly missed for his continuing interest in the guard as a historian, staying in touch with others. May he rest in peace .

Jack Clack
Moran, TX
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Wednesday, January 21, 2015

To All Don's Family:
I have never had a more respected or loved friend and boss than Don Dalton...a truly Christian man who quietly lived his love and commitment to his Lord, Jesus Christ. I will keep all of you in prayer before the Throne of Grace. May our dear Lord richly bless you all.











c

Chip & Brenda Hilliard
Mayflower, AR
Liked
Wednesday, January 21, 2015

We will miss our wonderful neighbor !
A very kind man ! Our prayers are with the
family, and our hopes are to see him again
someday in the beautiful heavens.
Peaceful Rest, Mr. Dalton..

Sandy Hinkson
,
Liked
Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Our hearts are are heavy from the news of Don's homegoing. We have loved this fellow for a mighty long time! Your family is in our prayers. For those who believe in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we will see Don again!!! What a hope!!!