Richard Tallett Dalton

BURLEY – Richard Tallett Dalton, age 84, of Burley, passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 15, 2013, at Highland Estates Assisted Living in Burley surrounded by his loving family.

Dick was born Feb. 16, 1928, in Declo, Idaho, the youngest child of James Mathew and Geneva Marguerite Tallett Dalton. He was raised in Declo and graduated from Declo High School in 1946. He joined the United States Navy after graduation and was honorably discharged in 1948. Dick married Margaret Parker on June 26, 1949. Their marriage was later solemnized on March 26, 1953, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Together, they raised four children. In 2009, he married Donna Johnson and they were later divorced.

He worked for Firestone Stores, Orange Transportation, and in 1961, he and Margaret purchased 24 Flavors Ice Cream Store. In 1968, he went into the tire business and opened Dick & Nick’s Quality Tire in Rupert, Idaho. He retired from the business in 1990. Later, he worked part-time as a Veterans Administration Service Officer.

Dick loved fishing on Henry's Lake and Flaming Gorge with friends and family. Many enjoyable hours were spent boating and skiing on the Snake River. He delighted in seeing how fast he could pull his children and grandchildren behind the boat. He and Margaret enjoyed traveling in their retirement years.

Dick was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities.

He is survived by his four children, Richard Thomas Dalton (Shigeko) of Brush Prairie, Wash., Margaret Kathleen Kober (Rick) of Centerville, Utah, Nan Laraine Dalton of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Jean Marie Smith (Dave) of Burley, Idaho; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Mildred Schneider of Jacksonville, Florida.

Preceding him in death was his wife, Margaret; his parents; one brother, James P. Dalton; and two sisters, Janet Isabella Simplot and Margery Shockey.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at the Burley LDS West Stake Center, 2420 Parke Ave., with Bishop S. Matthew Cook officiating. Burial will follow at the Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley, with military rites provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Organization.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Tuesday at the church.