Dr. Robert E. Dalton
February 6, 1929 ~ June 20, 2015
Dr. Robert E. Dalton joined his beloved wife Clela M. Dalton in heaven on Saturday, June 20th, 2015. He was surrounded by his children, Beth Dalton Ketzer, Cincinnati, Ohio; Bobbi Dalton Templet, LaGrange, Kentucky; Robert Birch Dalton, Westfield, Indiana, as he succumbed to his battle with cancer. He is also survived by seventeen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. He was born in Waukegan, Illinois on February 6, 1929, to the late Charles and Ernestine Dalton. He grew up in the Clay City area.
Dr. Dalton is well known in the educational arena in the state of Indiana. After graduating in 1951 with his teaching degree from Indiana State Teachers College, he taught fifth grade in Lafayette, Indiana. It was there he met his wife of fifty-one years, Clela. He also became father to her two children, John “Jack” Lambuth and Roselyn Rae Lambuth Toothaker. He served as a second lieutenant in the US Marine Corps from 1953 to 1955 during the Korean War. From that day forward, he would always be known for his sharply maintained flattop haircut and shiny Cordovan shoes. Dalton earned his Masters and Principal’s certification in 1959, and the growing family moved to Elkhart, Indiana as he served as principal for three years in the Concord school district. Dalton returned to Purdue University to pursue his PhD and earn his superintendent certification. In 1964, Dr. Lowell Rose was searching for an upcoming candidate to serve as his assistant superintendent for the Kokomo Consolidated School Corporations. After serving as Rose’s assistant for three years, Dalton was selected to replace Rose as superintendent.
Under Dalton’s eighteen years of guidance, the Kokomo schools became one of the most respected in the state. In 1985, Dalton was chosen by Dean Evans, then Superintendent of Instruction, to serve as Deputy Superintendent for the state of Indiana. In this position Dalton fought diligently to maintain the educational system of Indiana at a high standard and to provide every child a strong education. He served his state for ten years in this position, and retired in 1995 to travel with and care for his wife. He continued as a strong advocate for education in Indiana through his work with various organizations.
His family invites all who were touched by Robert to join in a celebration of his life. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m., Friday, June 26, 2015, in the chapel at Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville and from 12 to 1 p.m., Saturday, June 27, 2015. The funeral service will begin at 1 p.m., Saturday at the funeral home. Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Kokomo Schools Educational Foundation. Donation forms can be find through the foundation’s website. http://www.kokomoschools.com/domain/207.
Serenity Prayer: God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, courage to change the things we can, and wisdom to know the differences.
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I worked with Dr. Dalton at the Department of Education and to this day I still use one of his sayings, ‘If my mind doesn’t work, my feet get to.’ Needless to say, I think of him often as I am always going back after things I have forgotten. I’ll miss you Dr. D and your hugs too! Susie Langston
Dr. ‘D’ is what I called my father over the years, and his flat top and gentle way were always the way he carried himself. I will speak to his life at the service this coming Saturday. But, I wanted to share a memory of he and I holding his wife, my mother’s hand when she died 10 years ago. He loved her so very much and had 51 years of marriage with her. Her pain went away immediately and she had a smile on her face. He made a comment that he could tell his wife was now out of pain and with Our Lord. Saturday, he was breathing hard, and just like our mother, he too went from pain to meet our Lord. I have been honored to be with both of my parents when they passed away. Not easy, but as we believe in eternal life, it is the gift from God to release us from pain, and join him, I want to thank all the people with the phone calls, emails, and notes reaching out with memories of Dr. D. His love and passion for public education is to be carried on by his children, friends, fellow educators, and hopefully by the legislature. His saying of ‘Public Education for ALL the People’ rings true. I use the phase ‘Thanks for being a teacher, as our world would be lost with teachers’ Thanks Birch Dalton Humble son of a Great Man
Dr. Dalton was the first superintendent I worked for as a teacher at Kokomo High School. He was a man of integrity and high moral standards. His decisions were always based upon what was best for kids. He was a role model for me as I eventually went into administration and superintendent the last twelve years of my career. R.I.P. Dr. Dalton. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dr. Dalton has been a leader, and to me personally, a resource upon whom I could ALWAYS depend for a fair answer and good guidance. Always a wonderful smile and encouragement even in the last few years when it’s hard for proponents of public education and teachers therein to be encouraged. Never mattered to him that he was ‘administration’ and I am ‘union.’ I thank God for Bob Dalton. My sympathy to the family. Sally Sloan
He was a great friend and mentor to all of us who became Superintendents. He always gave good advice. I will miss him Pat Pritchett
Bob was a great role model and mentor for many of us who followed him in school leadership. He often sent me notes of encouragement over the years and was always looking our for me. Wonderful man! Tim Ogle
I was the State Attendance Officer when Bob Was the Deputy Superintendent of the Indiana Department of Education. He was an old Marine and I was an old soldier. He was a consummate professional in all that he did.. And he always had a smile. Semper Fi Bob…
While of average physical stature, Bob Dalton was a giant in education in Indiana. Highly respected by all who new him, Bob contnued to offer support for public education till health forced him to move to Cincinnati in the last year of his life. Never too busy to speak for or act in behalf of school age children, Bob represented the epitome of what is best for public education. He left a mark that will be difficult, if not impossible to replace. Harmon Baldwin Richmond, Virginia, formerly a resident of Bloomington.
I first met Bob when he chaired a North Central Evaluation in Southern Indiana and he assigned me a second assignment for a no show. What a positive experience that was for my first evaluation. He remained a friend, valued mentor and educator throughout my 26 years as principal and superintendent. He provided sound advice and always with a smile. A man of his educational leadership is hard to find. Jim Renz Venice, Florida for the past 11 years as a full time resident and formerly from Greencastle, Indiana.
Dr, Dalton was not only one of the finest individuals I have ever met but an equally outstanding educator. He loved people and certainly let his light shine. Roger Dickinson Englewood, FL Former Superintendent of the West Central School Corporation Francesville, IN
This is lovely, Bobbi. My deepest condolences.
Beautiful compilation of a joyous life time shared with family.
Bobbi & Family, Very sorry for the loss of your dear father. The care you provided for him in his last months is a testament to your devotion to family. Wishing you peace in the days ahead as you say your goodbyes. Joan Thompson, Crestwood, KY
When it came to education Dr. Dalton was all in! I am fortunate to have benefitted from his passion.
I can never begin to express my gratitude to Bob for all his help and advice when I relocated to Indiana to get a new start in life. I will always be in his debt for his kindness and the friendship to me and my mother. She now has Alzheimers but asks about him daily. Due to her condition we’ve decided not to tell her he’s passed but she misses him greatly. Fair winds and following seas Bob.
Birch & family, Kim and I were so saddened to hear of the passing of your father. What an honorable man he was. To me, he was always an example of how to be. Honest, humble and kind. I can picture him now, in heaven with Clela relaxing with a big bowl of popcorn! What a good man. God bless you.
Dr. Dalton was one who walked the talk. He was passionate as an educator. I benefited as a student under his direction and then as a teacher. He knew everyone by name and the stories of him getting down and dirty to help students and teachers alike are legendary.. I remember being at the state house a couple years ago lobbying for education and there was Dr. Dalton right there in the trenches with us. Many people at his stage of life might have been taking it easy in Florida, but not our dear former superintendent. He will be so missed. My sympathies to the family and all of us who are grieving the loss of such an icon.
All educators strive to be positive role models through service and community. Dr. Dalton will live on as our role model and exemplar for attitude and behavior and grace.. Our thanks and condolences to his family. Mike Copper
Bobbi and entire family. Praying that you will feel the peace of the Lord during this time. We knew of your fathers illness and missed you last Saturday at Martha’s. We all thought of you that night and silently prayed for strength for you. So very sorry for your loss. Your father was a dynamic man.
For you Bobbi. So sorry for this hard time for you and your family. He will live on through you and all you do. Take care, Michael and Jennifer Dillon
My grandfather , you are so missed n so loved. I will never forget our long talks about life. All the things you taught me as a child and all the weekends we spent together, and I feel sorry for any one who never got one of your famous ice cream sundae ‘s cause they were the best. That’s how I will remember you just like that. I love you n know your with our lord watching over me now. I miss u but will see you again grandpa love Sammi
Dr. Dalton was there when I was a student in Kokomo Schools and he was an inspiration to all when I became a teacher in Kokomo Schools. I am sorry to hear of his passing. Thank you for posting the video so we could see another side of him.
I had the priviledge to be employed with the Kokomo Center School system during Dr. Dalton’s tenure there … What a gracious man he was! A superintendent who knew almoste every teachers name every time he saw you … I along with my husband, Raleigh, have only fond memories of Dr. Dalton and his dear wife Clela … We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family as they celebrate his life! Colleen & Raleigh Grady, Chandler AZ
Dr. Dalton, always professional, respectful and caring. He cared deeply about public education and was willing to work until the very end to keep the lamp of knowledge bright in Indiana. Dr. Dalton was respected by all those who had the honor of working beside him. With his loss, there is a great void in Indiana Public Education. William E. Christopher Noblesville, Indiana
My grandfather was by far one of the greatest men I’ve had the privilege of learning from. From him talking to me about school and sports, showing how both will help me in life. When ever i struggling with either of those he told me the same story over and over about when he was a freshmen in high school and was playing football how his work was more important. The most respect in the world to this man for everything he has done for our family
My name is Mike Calvert,i had your father as a 5th grade teacher in Lafayette In but what i remember most was him being my baseball coach and our team had the first ‘no hitter’ in Lafayette little league history! He was my hero,what a great guy. My father George and your dad kept in touch for many years. The world will miss this great COACH !! God Bless all left behind,i know where your Father is ! Mike Calvert
I had the honor of knowing Dr. Dalton in Kokomo and in Indianapolis. In his role as Kokomo’s Superintendent, he played a key role in ensuring that the Kokomo-Center Twp. Migrant Education program was a statewide leader. He attended program review meetings after school to make sure that both we (Indiana Department of Education migrant staff) and his staff were doing what was right for the kids. He was a master at resolving differences, finding common ground, and moving everyone forward. He was able to use those skills on a regular basis as he became Deputy Superintendent under H. Dean Evans and later, Dr. Suellen Reed. The parking situation at our offices then, on east Ohio St. were less than ideal for all but Department leaders. Even though Dr. Dalton had a reserved spot in the garage close to his office, he chose to park at the most distant lot. It just happened to be where I parked too. Many mornings, if I got there early enough, I would walk in with him. In the summer evenings, I would go out to ride my motorcycle home, and sitting there waiting on Dr. Dalton, was Clela. We had several conversations about when she and Dr. Dalton had ridden on a motorcycle. I had many opportunities to work with him in his 10 years at DOE. After he retired, whenever there was an important hearing or other matter important to education, he would usually drop by and say hi. He was stable, firm and incredibly kind and gracious. He was respected by legislators, political leaders of both parties, and most importantly, by those he worked with and helped daily. My sincerest condolences to family. Mike Huffman
Dr. Dalton was an outstanding board member and friend for many years. He was always supportive of staff efforts, the epitome of professionalism, and constantly the educator focused on the best interest of the students. My condolences to you all as a family. Tonia Carriger
Dr. Dalton always remembered everyone’s name. I know I will always remember his. Rick Hagenow
I wiil see You on the other side MICKEY
We were hired in at Kokomo-Center Schools under Dr. Dalton’s leadership and soon realized what a caring superintendent he was and not just for the students and staff but for their families as well. He was a man of principles, of faith, supportive, and with genuine interest and concern for the well-being of the school system and those employed there as well. We consider ourselves fortunate to have known him and always looked forward to seeing him at various functions even after he had left Kokomo. We extend our sympathies to his family. Dr. D will truly be missed. Bob and Cindy Croll, Retired Teachers
Beth, Bobbi and Birch Your father was such a wonderful human being. We always knew where his heart was, and that was for our students. He was a master at solving difficult problems. He will be missed, but he lived a fantastic life and will long be remembered. Toni Kolanko, retired Kokomo teacher
Ron was hired by Dr. Dalton in 1966 as a Industrial Arts teacher in the Kokomo School system. I worked in the Administration Building for four years. Dr. Dalton always knew the name of every person. He was a great superintendent. Sympathies to the family. Your dad will truly be missed. Ron and Janet Burkhalter, retired Kokomo teacher
My prayers go out to your family for the loss of a very sweet and gentle man. We loved him coming to the bank at Mooresville and we have missed his smile this past few months. And I missed sitting behind him in church, that was how we both knew where our seats were. We know the pain is gone now . Rest well now Bob.