Robert William Dalton, Sr.

Hemlock, Michigan

Beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away on Sunday, April 23, 2023, at Covenant HealthCare – Cooper, with his family at his side; at the age of 80 years.

The son of the late Neil and Agnes (Konecny) Dalton, Robert was born on January 28, 1943. Robert was raised in St. Charles and graduated from St. Charles High School with the class of 1961. Following graduation, he proudly served his country by enlisting in the United States Army, where he was first introduced into the law enforcement profession by working as military police officer. After his service to our country with an Honorable Discharge, Bob moved back home in 1965, and worked at Central Foundry and joined the St. Charles Police Department part-time. He later joined the Saginaw County Sheriff Department in 1967. Bob worked many years as a respected Homicide Detective. He also performed undercover duties, with the FBI and DEA, on major crimes and narcotic interdiction. Bob held several ranks: Jail Deputy, Road Deputy, Road Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, and retired as Lieutenant in 1994. Soon after, he opened his own Private Investigator business and became certified as a Medical Examiner Investigator. In 1996, Bob began working part-time for the Richland Township Police Department. He was promoted to Chief of Police in 2000 and retired from Richland Township in 2016.

Bob always said he never should have retired because he missed the work and the people. He was proud that he had served a total of 50 years within the law enforcement profession and earned the respect of many. An avid outdoorsman, when Bob wasn’t working, he enjoyed spending time hunting and fishing. His favorite was by a lake in Wawa, Canada, where he loved being with family, friends, and a fishing pole in his hands.   

He leaves behind his loving wife and hunting companion of 45 years, Dawn (Kelly) Dalton; five sons: Michael (Carol) Dalton; Patrick (Bonnie) Dalton, Robert Jr. (Katherine) Dalton; Jamie (Jalynn) Schnur, and Eric (Dori) Dalton; a sister, Marylee (Charlie) Popp; mother-in-law, Kathleen Kelly; sister-in-law, Kim (Scott) Anderson; and a special hunting buddy, Rod (Monica) Rigby. Also surviving are many grandchildren, great-grandchildren that he loved and enjoyed; many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Besides his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his friend and mentor: Sheriff James L. Kelly.

A Funeral Service will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, May 1, 2023, at Ascension Lutheran Church, 8695 Gratiot Road, Saginaw, Michigan 48609. Rev. Julie Bailey will officiate. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Military Honors will take place under the auspices of the United States Army and American Legion Post 22. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the W. L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel, 201 N. Miller Road, Saginaw, Michigan 48609, on Sunday, April 30, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and at the church on Monday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.casefuneralhome.com.