Col. Roy Dalton (USAF Ret.) Austin, Texas completed his final PCS (Permanent Change of Station) on Dec. 2, 2016. Col. Dalton was born Feb. 27, 1931 in Blanchard, Okla. to Roy and Bessie Dalton. The oldest of three siblings he was preceded in death by his sister Evelyn (died at the age 3 months) and brother; Gerald D. Dalton (died 1997). He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Bonita F. (Butch) Dalton and three sons: Gary L. Dalton (Frankston, Tx), wife Becki, three grandsons, Hudson, Roy Don and Cody and granddaughter, Tara and one great grandson, Donavan. Son Kirby L. Dalton (Dallas, Tx) and wife Jodi and one granddaughter, Aleah Pace. Son Brad L. Dalton (Austin, Tx) and Annette and one grandson, Travis.
Col. Dalton grew up in Borger, Texas, attended West Texas State University and received his degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. He served in the USAF for 29 years, retiring as a Colonel. He was a fighter pilot and subsequently spent 13 years serving in the Air Force Special Operations (Initially known as Air Commandos). He served six overseas assignments, two in Special Operations in Viet Nam and Laos and one in Panama. He served concurrent tours in the Pentagon as a Chief of Operations ad Training in the Air Force Special Operations Division and in the Joint Chief of Staff in the Directorate of Operations, Pacific Division. he was awarded various medals which include: AF Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross (one OLC), Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (8OLC) and the Joint Service Commendation Medal (1 OLC). Col. Dalton was also awarded pilot wings by the Air Force of the Dominican Republic and the Royal Thai Air Force. He was a Command Pilot and completed 235 combat missions in SEA. He retired in 1983. His retirement ceremony was conducted by the Air Force Chief of Staff Charles Gabriel with his wife, Bonita (Butch) Dalton, present where she was also presented a certificate of service for supporting the United States Air Force.
He and his wife Butch retired to Austin, Texas in 1984 and lived in Onion Creek. During his AF career he was supported by his wife to whom he gave great credit for being part of the AF team. She pinned on his 2nd Lt bars, his wings and finally his Colonel’s Eagles. She entertained Ambassadors, Foreign Ministers and Military Chiefs of foreign countries. She also packed, unpacked and drove the family cross country at times when Colonel Dalton was serving in other locations, having had to depart early and she and the family had to wait to join him. After retirement Col. Dalton was the Founder and /first Commander (1985 – 1987), Commander (2006 – 2007) and longtime member of the Onion Creek American Legion Post 326. He was a member of the Daedalians, served as President of the Onion Creek Homeowners Association, was President of the board of Directors of the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer and also served on the Board of the Directors of the Onion Creek Club. He and his wife have been members of the Hyde Park Baptist Church since 1984.
In lieu of flowers it is the departed’s wish that donations be made to the Onion Creek American Legion Post 326 to assist in their unending support of the veterans and the local community.
Please visit www.Harrellfuneralhomes.com to share a fond memory, photograph, or condolence with Col. Dalton’s family on his On-line memorial site
Funeral Assistance provided by Harrell Funeral Home 1715 Kirby, Kyle, TX 78640 (512) 268-8200.