Melvin S. Dalton passed away on Jan. 25, 2019, at 9:22 a.m. in Moab, just six days before his 96th birthday. He was born on Jan. 31, 1923, in Moab, to Albertus Dalton and Emma McConkie Dalton.
He married Ida Palmer on June 16, 1947, in the Manti LDS temple. Together they were the parents of nine children: Emma (deceased); Melvin Dalton Jr. (Carol); Kathryn Braithwaite (Wayne); David Albertus Dalton; George Wilson Dalton (Paula); Linda Hanagarne (Frank); Lorraine Smith (Wally); Daniel Henry Dalton (Sue); Naomi Dalton (JoLyn). He has 27 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren.
After Ida passed away on March 23, 2004, he married Clara Ellen Copley Shafer on Sept. 30, 2006, in Moab. They made each other laugh.
Dalton was preceded in death by all of his brothers and sisters, his first wife, Ida, his daughter, Emma; and two granddaughters, Kimberly White and Jeanie Dalton.
His married life was spent in Moab. He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where he held many positions. Scouting and working in the Monticello temple with Ida, and later with Clara, were top on his list.
He loved the great outdoors, fishing, hunting, Jeeping, hiking and picnics with his family and friends. Dalton loved playing ROOK with family and friends. He could always tell a great story.
In 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and spent most of the next three years in the South Pacific during WWII. He had a great love for this country.
His family and home were where his heart was. He had many friends and will be missed by all who knew him.
His funeral will be on Feb. 1 at 11 a.m. at the Moab LDS Stake Center on Locust Lane. There will be a viewing at the Spanish Valley Mortuary on Jan. 31 from 6 to 8 p.m., and on Feb. 1 from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Interment will be at the Grand Valley Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com.
