Dorris Edward Dalton Sr., age 85, Wickliffe, KY (Ballard County) the family Patriarch passed away on March 1, 2026, at Baptist Health Hospital in Paducah, KY, surrounded by devoted family members and friends. Dorris demonstrated significant courage, determination, and composure while facing an unexpected life-threatening diagnosis of double pneumonia and Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
Mr. Dalton was born and raised in Wickliffe, Kentucky, on January 16, 1941, to Edward and Arzellar Dalton. Affectionately known as “Papa”, “Paw”, “Girl Dad”, and “Daddio”. He was deeply loved and will always be remembered as an irreplaceable and remarkable man.
A man of faith, unwavering integrity, boundless generosity and quiet strength. He valued his privacy, displayed modesty, and chose to avoid the spotlight. He was unequivocally the cornerstone of the Dalton family. He set an example for his family, showing the importance of hard work, honesty, kindness, financial responsibility, forgiveness, and keeping one's word. He adored and consistently supported his family and community. He was a reliable protector and great source of emotional, financial, and physical support.
Dorris was unapologetically loyal. He loved to exercise and kept up with timely doctor visits and follow-ups. He was religious about maintaining good dental hygiene. His favorite foods were fried fish, mackerel patties, and barbeque. He enjoyed courtroom programs, news broadcasts, cable media, music channels, and various sports, with a particular enthusiasm for baseball and watching the World Series with his daughter Alita. He possessed a broad appreciation for music. His soft spot was soul and R&B.
Dorris built a life rooted in faith, family, and service. He worked at Westvaco Paper Mill in Wickliffe, KY as Crew leader for 25 years and worked at Burkart Foam Factory for 14 years in Cairo, IL. Served on the Wickliffe City Council 12 years. He received many safety and community awards for his exceptional work. Dorris was honored with the Kentucky Colonel Award by Paul E. Patton, Governor of Kentucky, August 28, 2009. He was selected as Wickliffe Harvest Festival Grand Marshal in 2017. The City of Wickliffe, KY honored the Dalton Family with the Dalton House which sits in its City Park.
Dorris was a longtime active member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Wickliffe, KY. Most recently he worshiped live stream with First Baptist Church Paducah. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, neighbor and community member whose steadfast commitment, wisdom and humor shaped generations. He often assigned nicknames for those close to his heart. He led a life that exemplified what truly matters: God, family, love, kindness, and genuine connections. He single-handedly raised five children. Three daughters are college graduates earning doctoral, master's, and bachelor's degrees, all enjoying successful careers.
Gabrielle, affectionately known as "Gabby", was his pride and joy. An Advanced Medical Imaging Technology Student, Presidential Scholar, and honors ambassador at the University of Cincinnati in Ohio.
The Daltons endured countless tragedies, deaths due to cancer, heart disease, accidents etc. Dorris faced adversity with strength, courage, bravery, leadership and support. He actively cared for his wife, who had breast cancer, and his two sons with brain tumors and injuries. He raised his niece and nephew as his own when his sister died of Leukemia. His residence served as an inviting environment, fostering warmth and enjoyable family gatherings.
He is survived by his daughters Dr. Belinda Arzellar Dalton, Ed.D (Paducah, KY); Joyce A. Dalton, BSN (Kennesaw, GA); Alita J. Dalton, BS (Frankfort, KY); his granddaughter Gabrielle C. Shelton (Frankfort, KY); bonus grandchildren Lance S. Patton and Chantarelle Patton (Carbondale, IL); two brothers Charles Dalton (Betty) (Cairo, IL) and Clarence Dalton (Doris) (Peoria, IL), and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Edward and Arzella Dalton, wife, Lurlene Dalton, and his sons, Dorris Edward "Eddie" Dalton, Jr. James E. “Sam” Dalton, Sisters: Jeanetta Dalton, Mary Frances Bryars, Mary Irene Lomax, and Ruth Williams, and three brothers: Rolester Dalton, Sr., and William T. Dalton. James E. Dalton. Sr. and a host of nieces and nephews.
In accordance with his wish’s cremation has been chosen. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service, emphasizing salvation, joyful remembrance, storytelling and music rather than mourning, will take place at Milner and Orr Funeral Home of Wickliffe, 1079 Court Street, Wickliffe, KY 42087, at 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until the service hour of 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Wickliffe.
In Lieu of flowers you are encouraged to make a meaningful contribution that captures the spirit of his personality and honors his life and legacy: Monument Family donation, Plant Tree in Remembrance, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Vanderbilt children’s Hospital, and St. Judes Hospital.
Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
