Dennis E. Dalton's Obituary
Dalton, Dennis E., age 80, of Lebanon, passed away Thursday, March 28, 2024, at Ohio Living Quaker Heights in Waynesville.
Dennis was born in Waynesville and was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church. He was a long-time Warren County historian and the Official Town Crier of Warren County. He contributed to the effort to preserve and present the rich history and culture of Warren County.
He served with Martha Edminston as an Editor of the Miami Gazette and was a reporter for The Western Star Newspaper. In addition, he worked with Albert "Cap" Stubbs on the creation of the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival in Waynesville. He authored "One Nation Under Sauerkraut" as a cookbook to support the festival.
As the creator of The Ohioana Room at the Mary L. Cook Library, he won statewide praise in his efforts to catalog genealogical, architectural, and folk tales of Waynesville, Wayne Township, and Clearcreek Township. For a number of years, he served as Town Crier for events all over Warren County and for Christmas events in Springboro. Dennis was the originator of the famous "Ghost Walks" of Waynesville as well.
In April of 1999, Dennis was instrumental in bringing Gerald Charles Dickens, the great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens, to Waynesville from the United Kingdom. Dickens returned to the porch of the Holloway House for a photo and joined Dennis in Lebanon's Golden Lamb Inn to toast - this time with brandy. When Gerald's great-great-grandfather, Charles Dickens, visited the Golden Lamb in 1842, the Golden Lamb was a temperance hotel.
In 2012, for Arcadia Press, Dennis published "Waynesville and Wayne Township," perhaps the most comprehensive history ever done on the northern third of Warren County. Within this book., Denny poured out his love and knowledge of the place he knew as "home."
Dennis was a gifted speaker, researcher, and devoted friend.
He was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Gladys Dalton; and his sister, Christy Dalton. He is survived by his two nieces, Kimberly and Kelli Fox.
A celebration of life service will be held at 10 AM Thursday, April 11 at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Waynesville. Rev. Steve Cuff and Rev. Pamela Gaylor will be officiating the services. Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home is serving the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Mary's Episcopal Church or toward the funeral expenses. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Dennis?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dennis?
Share a story where Dennis' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dennis you’ll never forget.
How did Dennis make you smile?