Charles Dalton

Charles Dalton was a man who didn't let circumstances get him down and always put his family first. Easy to spot in his wildly colored Hawaiian shirts, Charles was lively and fun to be around. He was a good friend, a good father, and quite simply, a good man.

In the spring of 1942, Bernard and Inice (Fike) Dalton of Kalamazoo were anxiously awaiting the arrival of a new baby. They were rewarded with little Charles at Borgess Medical Center on June 3. Growing up in a family that included seven children, Charles learned how to share and pitch in around the house. The family moved a bit, but not far. Charles attended schools in and around the Kalamazoo area, including Parchment and Plainwell.

As a fun-loving teenager, Charles was visiting a friend's farm one day when he heard that two young ladies were also visiting and were out riding the mules. Not one to waste an opportunity, he found them and hopped on the mule that was carrying pretty Penney Allison. From that moment on, Charles never looked back, asking Penney to marry him even though he was still in high school. They exchanged vows on October 24, 1959, at the local church parsonage. He and Penney rode through life together for nearly fifty years.

Charles left school to care for his bride and took a truck-driving job at Murco for a short time. He then went to work as a painter at Borrough's Manufacturing. He stayed at Borrough's for forty-three years until medical reasons led to his retirement in October of 2005. He was a hard worker, refusing to stay home even when he was sick.

Charles and Penney started a family right away. In 1962, they moved into the house that would remain their home for the rest of their married lives. Charles was a loving and attentive father and taught his children to be honest and hard working. He was a talented cook and the family looked forward to his delicious creations, including cabbage rolls, meatloaf, pies, and rotisserie meats.

In the 1980s, he and Penney participated in a motorcycle club, riding everywhere together. Dubbed "Chuckles" by his motorcycle friends, he enjoyed the freedom and openness of biking. He also liked to bowl and had many friends on his leagues at Plainwell Lanes and Harpo's. When they had a free evening, he and Penney enjoyed dinner out and a little shopping.

Even though Charles began to struggle with health issues, he never lost his devotion to his family. He maintained close relationships with his siblings as well as his nieces and nephews and always made time for his wife and children. He also enjoyed caring for his faithful Dachshund. He leaves his loved ones with countless memories of his laughter, loyalty, and love.

After a long battle with several illnesses, Charles died on Wednesday, November 15, 2006, at Borgess Medical Center. His family includes his wife, Penney; children: Brenda Dalton of Otsego, Charles, Jr. and Sondra Dalton of Otsego, Beverly and Michael Hennig of Allegan, and Brian Dalton of Martin; siblings: Bob Dalton, Mary Weinberg, and Richard Dalton; five grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings: Doris, Ruth Ann, and Theresa.

Following Charles' wishes, he has been cremated and no services will be held. Please visit Charles' memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may share a favorite memory or photo or sign the online register book. Memorial donations may be made to Loaves and Fishes.