Richard LeRoy Dalton, 91, of Beech Island, South Carolina, formerly of Galesburg, Illinois, died Thursday, May 9, 2024, in Beech Island, South Carolina.
Dick was born December 27, 1932, in Galesburg, the son Otis LeRoy and Maxine Dorothy (Kent) Dalton. After graduating from Galesburg High School in 1950, Dick joined the US Navy on August 16, 1950, until October 23, 1952, at which time he transferred to the US Naval Reserves and was honorably discharged in March 1985, achieving the rank of E-7, Chief Petty Officer. During active duty, Dick met and married Natalie Varvorines and they were married on November 23, 1952 at Saufley Field Chapel in Pensacola, Florida. Natalie preceded Dick in death on August 10, 2018.
Dick is survived by one daughter, Sandra L. (Randolph) Hollingsworth of Beech Island, South Carolina; two grandchildren, Kyle (Crystal) Hollingsworth and Brianna (Jose) McFarland; and seven great grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents Dick was preceded in death by one son, Keith on February 19, 2014; and one grandson, Joshua Hollingsworth on March 9, 2020.
Dick worked for Illinois Power Company, retiring after 42 years of dedicated service as a senior engineering clerk. Dick was a member of First United Methodist Church in Galesburg, Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285, as well as being a member of 40&8 Honor Society of American Veterans. Dick was an avid fisherman and had been active in the Boy Scouts of America. He was a dedicated supporter of deployed troops and was honored in being able to travel to Washington D.C. through the Greater Peoria Honor Flight.
Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, May 24, 2024, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg with graveside services with military rites following at 11:30 a.m. at East Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Greater Peoria Honor Flight. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
