OBSERVATARIUM
SAINT PATRICK, MISSOURI

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Don Dalton’s Legacy

My “Astronomical Friend”

Donald Dean Dalton · July 26, 1934–July 23, 1988

The Donald D. Dalton Memorial Observatarium honors Don Dalton, my astronomical friend. These photographs and writings preserve something of the friendship, practical ingenuity, and joy of observing that he shared with others.

His life and family

Donald Dean Dalton was born on July 26, 1934, in Jacksonville, Illinois, the son of Wayne Dalton and Ruby Emmons. A resident of South Jacksonville, he was an Army veteran.

On May 31, 1959, he married Margaret L. Mullens in Jacksonville. Don died in Jacksonville on July 23, 1988, and was buried in Diamond Grove Cemetery in Jacksonville.

At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife; his father, Wayne, of Jacksonville; his daughter, Jody Dalton, of Bloomington, Indiana; his brother, Robert, of Jacksonville; and his twin sister, Dorothy Long (Mrs. Donald Long), also of Jacksonville.

A love of the sky, shared generously

In his memorial tribute, Fred Pilcher recalls that Don’s interest in astronomy began with a visit to see Comet Kohoutek in January 1974. Don went on to observe with his own Celestron 8, welcome others to look through his telescope, and help fellow observers improve their equipment. Don and his wife, Maggie, also hosted astronomy club gatherings with observing in their backyard.

My article, Don Dalton, Astro Engineer, first published in the CIAA newsletter in Summer 1986, remembers his practical improvements to my Celestron 11 telescope. The original scans below preserve both that story and Fred’s tribute.

Photographs and memories

From evenings at the telescope to moments with family and friends. Select a photograph to enlarge it. More photographs and memories will be added as the collection grows.