Judge David A. Dalton, Sr.

“Wonderful, wonderful,” he would cheer every time he heard live music, especially that played by his family.  “Proud of you,” he would say, every time he saw someone overcome, even the smallest life challenge. “Pray for you. I do,” he would say every time he parted company with someone he loved.

Judge David A. Dalton Sr. was a model of a life well lived. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, public servant and follower of Christ, he loved passionately, not just those he held dear, but life itself.

Dave was born in his St. Charles home on April 21, 1939—the same house where he would later practice law. The beloved son of the late W. R. and Evelyn C. Dalton, Dave demonstrated a life-long dedication to St. Charles.

Dave graduated from St. Charles High School in 1957 and attended one year of college, before enlisting in the US Army.  He served as an Army musician for 2 years, touring Europe to help foster German-American relations, an experience he cherished and recounted often.  Upon his return, he completed his undergraduate degree at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau and law degree at Saint Louis University. He then returned to St. Charles to enter into private practice while acting as an elected prosecutor in St. Charles. After 8 years in that office, he was elected judge for St. Charles County in 1974 and served in that capacity for 20 years.  As a judge, Dave was firm but fair, such that long after he retired from the bench in 1994 and returned to private practice, individuals he had previously sentenced sought him out to thank him for changing their lives for the better.

Dave retired from private practice in 2000 and five years later married the love of his life Elizabeth “Beth” Dalton (nee: Lanham) on April 2, 2005 at Mount Pleasant Winery. Over the next 11 years, the two continued to share their love of wine, travel, and most of all each other.  Until the moment of his passing, Dave and his Elizabeth were virtually inseparable—from the most mundane task to the epic European adventure, the two did all it hand-in-hand.

Dave was the proud father of David A. Dalton II, Stefanie Prince (and husband Kelly), Leslie Gruenloh (and husband Bret), step-father of Lyndsey Ogle, grandfather of Tyler Prince, Conner Prince, Tessa Gruenloh, Wyatt Gruenloh, Colby Gruenloh, Josh Dalton, Jake Dalton, David A. Dalton III, and step-grandfather to Maria Garcia and Joshua Dalton. Whether watching them play sports or perform, teaching them to dance or play music, Dave found his proudest accomplishments in their successes. In his final days he gathered his children and grandchildren together to sing and play music, a pastime that Dave cherished almost more than anything else.

Dave lived with a zeal that made most believe him to be far younger than his years. An avid tennis player and snow skier, Dave also had an adventurous side, ziplining any chance he could get. Dave loved to be on the water, spending time with Elizabeth and his family on their pontoon boat on Mark Twain Lake. He was voracious reader (mainly of owner’s manuals), an avid sports fan, and skilled Jitterbugger.

Dave often claimed he wasn’t much of a talker, yet he never met a stranger. He hugged everyone. Family, friends, people he had just met. He loved to sing, especially “Happy Birthday,” and never missed an occasion to serenade someone, anyone, in public.

When describing Dave, those who knew him best almost always began by detailing his generosity. This term, while accurate, fails to fully describe his devotion to others. Dave was always the first to lend a hand or offer service or support to those in need. Even after being diagnosed with cancer he continued to volunteer with the St. Charles County library, bringing books to the house bound.  Dave and Elizabeth also sponsored three children through Unbound, for whom Dave was immensely devoted.

Dave was a model of integrity and courage. In his two and half year battle with cancer, he never once complained, but thought only of those he would leave behind. He now watches over his beloved wife, children, grandchildren and siblings Warren R. Dalton, Jr., Harriet Doerrie, Richard (Ginny) Dalton, Chauncey (Betty) Dalton, Donald (Therese) Dalton, Evelyn (Joe) Purdy, and Martha Brown. He joins siblings Charles Dalton and Mary Marks and dear friends Chris Lanham and Leland Smith in heaven.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Unbound (formerly Christian Foundation for infants and adults) or Cancer Support Community.