Dalton, Michael "Mike" Lynn

Manchester, MI

Age 79, lost his courageous battle with cancer Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at his home. He was born March 24, 1945 in Dalton, AR, the son of Odas and Aldean (Moore) Dalton. He married Donna "Jean" Hendrickson April 3, 1965 on the EMU campus at Starkweather Hall, and she survives.

Mike was an avid sportsman, hunter, and fisherman. He was proud of the fact that he traveled with his wife, Jean, to all 50 states and he was a successful hunter in many of those states as well as Canada. Mike formed numerous friendships during those hunting years and many sought out his wisdom and knowledge concerning the out of doors.

In his youth, Mike played baseball, basketball, and football. When Mike became a dad, he coached baseball, football, and wrestling with his children and grandchildren. He was always a fan of the Detroit Tigers, the Detroit Lions, and the many University of Michigan teams. It didn't matter if they were winning that year or not.

Family was the most important thing in Mike's life. He chose being with family over any other activity. The love of his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandson was always evident in everything he did.

After retirement, Mike and Jean enjoyed 20+ years at their home in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Anyone that came to visit got a great day of fishing on the lake and peace and quiet of the woods.

In addition to his beloved wife of 59 years, Mike is survived by his sister Mary Beth Dalton, children Tracie Jean (Vincent) Salyer, Michael "Shane" Dalton, and Matthew Adam (Guadalupe) Dalton; grandchildren Erin Mackenzie Salyer, Vincent "Blake" (Megan) Salyer, and Nickolas Dalton (Jade) Salyer; great-grandchildren Harley Michelle Barnes, Mackenzie Jade Barnes, and Brock Dalton Salyer; and great-great-grandson Mylyn Lee Barnes.

He was preceded in death by his parents as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.

A memorial service will be held 11 am Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Stark Funeral Professionals (101 S. Washington Street, Ypsilanti) with Pastor Garth Pleasant officiating. Visitation will begin at 10 am. Mike will be inurned at Masonic Cemetery in Pocahontas, AR. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Hospice of Lenawee .