Donald William Dalton

Donald William Dalton, 88, of Bedford, passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2024. He was born in Pittsylvania County, Va on June 9, 1936. A son of the late Giles and Carrie Kessee Dalton. In addition to his parents Donald was preceded in death by his wife, Edith Josephine Hull Dalton; brothers, Carlton Dalton, Wallace Dalton and Melvin Dalton; sister, Eloise Bailess.

Donald was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, cutting firewood and spending time in his garden. He also in years past was a member of the Bedford Lyons Club. He loved his family and the time he was able to spend with each of them. He founded Dalton’s Auto Body Shop in Bedford in 1965. He always strived to please his clients and take care of them with dignity and honesty. He also loved music, having played in several bands and loved playing his guitar.

Donald is survived by his children, John Dalton and fiancée, Michele Detamore of Bedford, VA, Joy Adams and her husband, Jamie of Goode, VA and Judy Goad and her husband, James of Lowry, VA. Grandchildren, Tabitha Coates and her husband, Coey Jenkins of Lexington, Ethan Goad of Lowry, VA, Brooke Adams of Goode, VA and Josh Adams of Goode, VA; brother, Silas Dalton; sisters, Sylvia Dalton and Patricia Atkinson and her husband, Billy. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

For those wishing to make memorial contributions in Donald’s memory please consider, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, D-Day National Memorial or your charity of choice. The family would like to extend thanks to the Doctors, Nurses and staff of Spring Oak of Bedford, Bedford Elks Home, for their love care and compassion during this most difficult of times.

A funeral service and celebration of Donald’s life will be conducted at 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at Tharp Funeral Chapel in Bedford with Austin Hull officiating. A burial will follow at Virginia Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00pm on Monday, July 15, 2024, at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford is assisting the family.