Neal Kent Dalton passed away at home with his family by his side on Nov. 6 at the age of 83.
Dalton was born on Nov. 21, 1934, to Earl and Mary Elma Dalton in Moab. He was the youngest of eight children.
Dalton graduated in 1953 from Grand County High School. He played football, basketball, tennis and
track, oftentimes having been the best defense and most yards scored in football and the high point man in basketball. He was named the football player of the year by Deseret News, all state and all region. He was also known as “Moose” in high school, a nickname that was well-earned.
He married his sweetheart Wynona Holyoak on May 24, 1954, in the Salt Lake Temple. They were blessed with two children, Arnel Kent Dalton and Carolyn Noyes. He was a grandfather to nine grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
Dalton worked for a drilling company on Elk Ridge for a short time when he was first married, he worked at the Atlas uranium processing plant; and worked over 30 years as a purchasing agent at the Texas Gulf facility at the potash mine. He and his wife also sold fresh Christmas trees for years to the community around the holiday time. In the 1950s he was involved in various film productions that came to town.
Ranching, farming and gardening were something he had in his blood from an early age. Herding cattle
was a family affair and something he enjoyed very much. He had a love for animals, especially dogs and horses. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and gathering wood. He was a huge supporter of the high school sporting events and it didn’t matter if it was own kids or grandchildren that were playing — he supported everyone. Going for rides with his sweetheart and spending time in the La Sal Mountains on their property was a highlight of his life. Dalton loved making new friends, but he never forgot his lifelong friends; they were a very important part of his life. He enjoyed visiting and catching up.
He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many callings. He loved his family very much and was so proud of them and their accomplishments. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his two children, Arnel Kent (JoeLynn) Dalton and Carolyn (Cole) Noyes; a brother, Kay (June) Dalton of Greeley Colorado; seven grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held on Monday, Nov. 12, at the Moab Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center. A viewing was held on Sunday, Nov. 11, at Spanish Valley Mortuary and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial followed at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com
