Willard Dalton Obituary
Willard R Dalton passed away at the age of 98 on May 19, 2025 peacefully in the home he has shared with the love and joy of his life and wife of 36 years, Erma Dalton and daughter Carla by his side.
He was born in Virginia, March 6, 1927. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Donna and Siblings Nora, Elvin, Bo, James, Katie, Robert and Vernon. Surviving family includes his Wife Erma; Children Ginger (Mike), Carla (John), Vickie & Rick; Grandchildren Deanna (Patrick), David (Jenny), and Shawn; and one (1) great grandchild Ashley (Anthony), two (2) great great grandchildren.
Many of us knew him by one of his many nicknames – Will, Willie, Tootsie, Daddy, and Papaw. Will was Seaman 1st Class in the Navy and served in the Pacific during WWII, he went on as a tool & die maker including work for Ford Motor Company leading up to his retirement.
The truth is he could build or fix anything and was creative – teaching himself to paint and crafted beautiful stained glass décor. He loved retirement life with his wife Erma, family, and his loyal companion Fonzie, spending time on their home, tireless hours decorating for holidays – especially Halloween and Christmas. They loved traveling and singing and dancing, especially at ‘The Barn’ in Greenfield on Sundays.
He will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.
Services will be Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Flanner Buchanan on East Washington Street.
1-2 pm Private Family Viewing2-3 pm Public Viewing3pm Military Funeral at the CemeteryTo plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
10722 E Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46229
People and places connected with Willard
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Willard Dalton
Make a Donation
in Willard Dalton's name
How to support Willard's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Willard Dalton's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored