Wilson L. Dalton

Dr. Wilson L. Dalton, 85, died Saturday, May 19, 2007, at Franklin United Methodist Community in Franklin. Born Sept. 13, 1921, in Bloomington, he was the son of Melvin and Nellie "Geraldine" (Parrott) Dalton. He married Betty Lou "Betsy" Crews on July 14, 1945, and she survives in Franklin. Other survivors include sons, Barton D. Dalton of Tacoma, Wash., and Randall L. Dalton of Lexington, Ky.; daughter, Judy I. Imel of Shelbyville; grandchildren, Bret Adkins, B.D. Dalton, Ben Dalton, Katlyn Dalton, Alana Nedderman, Bre Giove and Taylor Dalton; great-grandchildren Kyrsten Lux and Max Dalton; and sister-in-law, Pat Burton of Franklin. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister. Dr. Dalton owned and operated his own family practice for almost 50 years in Shelbyville. He also served as a health officer for Shelby County for 48 years. He retired from the W.S. Major Hospital staff. He was a member of American Medical Association and Indiana State Medical Association since 1950 and of the Shelby County Medical Society since 1951 and was a past president of Indiana Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Dalton graduated from Bloomington High School in June 1939 and received his bachelor of arts degree in 1942, master's degree in 1947 and medical degree in 1950, all from Indiana University. He was a delegate to Indiana State Medical Society's House of Delegates for 35 years and an aviation medical examiner for the Federal Aviation Administration for more than 30 years. He was a consultant with Indiana Peer Review Organization and a consultant to Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Dr. Dalton served as deputy coroner of Shelby County for four years. He utilized the support services of the physician's assistant and was co-medical director of a multifamily handicapped children's skilled nursing facility for 20 years. Dr. Dalton received a Tony and Mary Hulman achievement award in the field of public health in 1994; and was named a Kentucky Colonel in 1964 and a Sagamore of the Wabash in 1974. He was Honorary Speaker of the House in 1974 under Indiana Gov. Otis Bowen and served on the Indiana Medical Education Board, also in 1974. He was a member of the Shelbyville Elks lodge and was a 32nd Degree Mason. He also was a was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Franklin. Dr. Dalton was a founding member of Shelby County United Fund For You (SCUFFY), a vice president and founding board member of the Shelby County Industrial Development Corp. and provided a broad spectrum of support of Indiana University, including as a former member of the Alumni Council and a Varsity Club founding member. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, serving in the European Theater as a B-24 combat pilot flying out of Italy. He also served in the Indiana National Guard Reserve (Headquarters Medical Officer) as a reserve medical officer following World War II. No visitation is planned. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Blue River Community Foundation, Suite 1, 54 W. Broadway, Shelbyville, IN 46176; or to Americare Hospice, 20 Circle Drive, Franklin, IN 46131. Arrangements are being handled by Freeman Family Funeral Homes, Carmony-Ewing Chapels, 232 W. Broadway St. Online condolences may be sent to www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.